Quantum Internet

The quantum internet happens to be a communication network which uses quantum entanglement and superposition to transmit information. Unlike the traditional internet, it doesn’t rely on electrical signals or photons carrying binary data alone. Rather, it leverages the strange properties of quantum particles:

1. Qubits can exist in multiple states at once (0, 1, or both)—this is superposition.
2. Entanglement allows two particles to be linked, so that changing one instantly changes the other, no matter how far apart they are.

In practical terms, this allows unprecedented levels of security and entirely new ways to processing and transmitting information.

Quantum Internet details by Stephani Wehner (Credits : TEDx Talks on Youtube)

(Credits : PBS Space Time via Youtube)

Do we really need it, but why?

• Un-Hackable Communication

Quantum Key Distribution allows two users to share encryption keys securely. If anyone tries to intercept the key, the quantum state gets altered, and the eavesdropper is exposed. No copy-pasting like in classical data.

• Linking Quantum Computers

Quantum computers have massive processing power but are still relatively small-scale. To reach scale, they need to be networked—and quantum networks will allow them to share qubits across distances, enabling distributed quantum computing.

• Advancing Science

Quantum networks can synchronize atomic clocks, improve telescopes through quantum-enhanced interferometry, and even enable secure cloud quantum computing for researchers across the globe.

So what is the progress so far?

China’s Micius Satellite

Was launched in 2016, Micius is the world’s first quantum communication satellite. It demonstrated:

• Long-distance entanglement
• Satellite-based QKD
• Ground-to-satellite quantum teleportation

EU Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI)

The EU is deploying a secure quantum communication infrastructure across all states by 2027.

U.S. Quantum Internet Blueprint

In 2020, the U.S. Department of Energy released a strategy for a nationwide quantum network, collaborating with universities and labs like Fermilab and Argonne.

India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM)

Launched in 2023 with ₹6003 crore funding. Key goals included:

• Developing quantum communication and cryptography
• Building quantum networks
• Supporting startups like QpiAI, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), and IISc Bengaluru in creating scalable systems.

Challenges to Overcome

The development of a quantum internet faces significant hurdles, primarily due to the fragility of quantum states, the need for error correction, and challenges in scalability and communication. Decoherence, the loss of quantum information due to environmental interactions, is a major obstacle, as is the difficulty in maintaining entanglement over long distances. Furthermore, the complex interaction of quantum mechanics with network protocols and the need for standardized interfaces and protocols pose mindful technical challenges.

Significant challenges to overcome as below:

Distance Limitations

Quantum signals degrade over distance. Unlike classical repeaters that amplify signals, quantum repeaters must preserve entanglement, which is extremely delicate. Research is ongoing in entanglement swapping and quantum memory to solve this.

Infrastructure Requirements

The world runs on classical networks. The quantum internet needs:

• Quantum routers
• Entanglement distribution nodes
• Cryogenic systems
• Ultra-stable lasers and single-photon detectors

Lack of Standards

There are currently no universal protocols for:

• Quantum error correction
• QKD interoperability
• Network architecture for entanglement-based systems

Standardization will be crucial for global-scale deployment.

Science Fiction or Next-Gen Reality?

• Today: Working prototypes exist in labs and select secure communication routes (e.g., China’s QKD networks, European QKD pilot lines).
• Near Future (5-10 years): National-scale quantum networks and integrated QKD in telecom infrastructure.
• Long Term (10–20 years): Global quantum internet enabling large-scale quantum cloud computing, ultra-secure messaging, and scientific collaboration.

Last Thoughts for now

The quantum internet represents not just a technological leap, but a paradigm shift. It redefines how we think about data, privacy, and even space-time constraints in communication. As governments and companies invest billions into its development, being informed and involved—whether you’re a technologist, policy maker, or curious reader—is more important than ever.

More Technology Blogs at : https://newsith.com/category/technology/

Read about Azure Quantum at : https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/solutions/quantum-computing/#overview

Curious Read – India’s 1st Quantum Processor : https://newsith.com/qpiai-indus-india-tests-first-quantum-processor/