Quantum networking takes off… into space

Combining shorter-distance, ground-based quantum networks that piggyback on existing fiber infrastructure with satellite-based relays can help lay the groundwork for a global quantum Internet.

“Achieving a global-scale quantum network requires substantial work,” says Lowell. “First, we need to establish and demonstrate a robust quantum communication protocol to ensure the proper dissemination of information across network links – which is what the Q4S mission addresses.”

Use cases for quantum networks

Quantum networks have three main use cases, says Jim Ricotta, CEO of Aliro Quantum Technologies, a quantum networking software company.

They are not expected to replace standard communications in the near future, since they don’t have enough bandwidth to carry any significant amounts of traffic. Instead, they’re expected to be used for quantum key distribution, to network quantum computers, and to support quantum sensors.

There are two types of encryption. Symmetric encryption – where the same key is used to both encrypt and decrypt – is the strongest, and it’s expected to continue to be safe for a long time. The second type, asymmetric encryption, involves different keys for encryption and decryption. Asymmetric encryption is considered to be vulnerable to quantum computers, and there is a concern that adversaries are already vacuuming up encrypted communications with plans to decrypt them as soon as the quantum computers get good enough.

One solution to this problem is to switch to new, quantum-safe encryption algorithms, but that still relies on math for security, says Ricotta. Another solution is to use the laws of physics to guarantee security, he says.