The Internet as we know it is out of date. A quantum internet would be able to securely transmit large volumes of data across immense distances at a rate that exceeds the speed of light. A fully functional quantum internet paired with large-scale quantum computers will open numerous possibilities for science and security as well as a new world of other opportunities.
Why do we need a quantum Internet?
Data Protection Today
Quantum networks are more secure than regular networks, because they rely on the laws of physics rather than computer code that can be cracked. Technologies like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) can protect your data. This technology is available today and companies like ID Quantique offer QKD devices for commercial use.
Industry & Finances
Quantum Internet applications are in healthcare, oil & gas industry, defense, security & aerospace, automotive industry, life & material sciences and more. Banking and finance are data-intensive businesses where many crucial decisions demand real-time data insights and predictions.
Secret Computing
A quantum internet will enable secure access to quantum computers in the cloud. This is known as blind quantum computing. Neither the input data, nor the algorithm used need to be revealed in order to obtain results. One would only need a small quantum terminal at home to access the big mainframe far away.
Everyday Life
A quantum internet would deliver more power to existing apps and games and enable faster and safer communications. Already today, Samsung's Galaxy Quantum smartphone, comes with a quantum chip enabling a new generation of secure financial services and secure personal communication apps.
What you need to build a quantum Internet
Here’s a quick guide to some concepts to understand the quantum Internet.
Quantum mechanics
Quantum mechanics is the science of the very small. It explains the behavior of Nature at an atomic and subatomic scale.
Qubit
While classical data is expressed in bits, which can be 1 or 0, quantum data is expressed in qubits, which exist as both 1 and 0.
Entanglement
Entanglement allows two qubits to share the same state allowing instantaneous, faster than light, information flow during the computation.
Teleportation
Quantum teleportation transfers quantum information from one entangled qubit to another almost instantly, regardless of the distance between them.