Quantum communication is a technology that uses principles of quantum mechanics, such as entanglement and superposition, to transmit information in a way that is theoretically resistant to eavesdropping and hacking. The main application of this technology is quantum cryptography, which offers secure exchange of encryption keys. Quantum communication enables the creation of secure communication networks, which can be crucial in the financial, military, and data protection sectors.
Quantum Communication
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Quantum entanglement: A process whereby two or more qubits remain linked, regardless of distance, which enables for the secure exchange of information.
- Quantum key distribution (QKD): A method that uses quantum principles to securely exchange cryptographic keys between parties.
- Quantum relays: Devices that enable the transmission of quantum information over long distances, minimising losses and decoherence.
- Photons as carriers of information: In quantum communication, information is typically carried by photons, which can be transmitted over fibre-optic networks.
- Eavesdropping detection: Quantum communication makes it possible to detect eavesdropping attempts, which provides additional transmission security.
Industry usage
- Banking: Quantum communication enables the secure transmission of financial information and cryptographic keys.
- Public administration: The exchange of sensitive data between government entities (e.g. in the defence sector) can benefit from quantum technology.
- Telecommunications: Telecommunications operators can implement quantum networks to provide greater security for data transmission.
- Defence sector: Secure quantum communication is crucial for military command and control systems.
- Health care: Secure transmission of medical data, including sensitive patient information, can benefit from quantum solutions.
Importance for the economy
Quantum communication has the potential to revolutionise security in telecommunications and financial networks, offering secure channels to transmit data. The use of this technology in banking, health care, government, and the defence sector will significantly increase the protection of sensitive data. As infrastructure develops, quantum communication could become a key component of global security systems.
Related technologies
Quantum Technologies
Quantum entanglement can be used in advanced sensors that monitor network health. Quantum communication can be used to securely connect quantum computers in future networks. Secure data transmission between quantum computers will become a key element in the development of advanced quantum computing.
Cybersecurity
Quantum communication enables the development of new and secure methods of data transmission and cryptographic keys.
Mechanism of action
- Quantum communication is based on quantum entanglement and superposition. The information is encoded in a quantum state, such as photons, and transmitted over fibre-optic networks. If any eavesdropping attempt is made, changes in the quantum state of the signal will be detected immediately, making it impossible to intercept the information. Quantum key distribution (QKD) enables secure exchange of encryption keys, which is the foundation of communication security.
Advantages
- Data security: Quantum communication offers theoretically reliable security measures against eavesdropping, protecting transmitted information.
- Eavesdropping detection: The technology enables immediate detection of data interception attempts, strengthening the protection of communications.
- Long-term protection: Quantum cryptographic systems are immune to future threats from quantum computers that can break traditional encryption.
- New opportunities in telecommunications: Quantum communication can enable global secure communication networks, e.g. in government systems.
- Defence applications: Secure, real-time information sharing is crucial for defence and military systems.
Disadvantages
- High costs: The infrastructure needed to implement quantum communications is expensive and requires significant investment in the development of fibre-optic and satellite networks.
- Distance limitations: Current quantum communication technologies have limited range, which requires the development of more advanced quantum relays.
- Technological complexity: It requires advanced technological knowledge and sophisticated equipment to implement quantum communication systems.
- Uncertainty of standards: The lack of established global standards may hinder the widespread implementation of quantum communications on an industrial scale.
- Threat of monopolisation: The development of this technology may be dominated by a few powerful technology players, limiting accessibility for smaller companies.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- Fibre-optic infrastructure: Developing and upgrading fibre-optic networks that can transmit quantum signals over long distances.
- Quantum laboratories: Specialised laboratories for testing quantum communication devices, including relays and detectors.
- Quantum relays and satellites: Devices, including communication satellites, that enable transmission of quantum signals over long distances.
- Team of experts: Scientists and engineers specialising in quantum mechanics, cryptography, and fibre-optic technology.
- Technical support: Team responsible for maintaining and developing quantum communication networks and securing them.
Required competences
- Knowledge of quantum mechanics: Knowledge of quantum entanglement, superposition, and quantum phenomena related to information transmission.
- Quantum cryptography: Ability to design and implement cryptographic systems based on quantum technology.
- Fibre-optic engineering: Knowledge of the design and implementation of advanced fibre-optic networks for quantum signal transmission.
- Quantum programming: Ability to develop software to manage and control processes related to quantum communication.
- IT infrastructure management: Competence in network infrastructure management and integration of quantum technology into existing systems.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: Quantum communication systems, especially the infrastructure involved in cooling and transmitting signals over long distances, can generate significant energy consumption. It is necessary to invest in energy-efficient technologies to minimise their impact on the environment.
- IT equipment recycling: Upgrading quantum infrastructure, including fibre-optic networks and quantum relays, can generate electronic waste that requires proper recycling.
- Reducing resource consumption: The development of quantum communication may help reduce some resources in the long term, optimising data transfer and reducing the need for additional data processing infrastructure.
- CO2 reduction: Optimising data transmission via quantum transmission can help reduce CO2 emissions by managing communication networks more efficiently.
Legal conditions
- Quantum cryptography: New regulations for post-quantum cryptography must be developed to regulate the security of data transmission in the era of quantum computers (example: implementation of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms).
- Technology licences: Software and infrastructure for quantum communication are subject to intellectual property protection and licensing laws (example: patents on quantum relays).
- Information security standards: Quantum communication must comply with international information security standards, such as ISO/IEC 27001 (example: compliance with ISO/IEC 27001 for quantum communication systems).
- Export regulations: Quantum communication technologies may be subject to international high-tech export regulations, especially in the context of cryptography and military applications (example: export controls on quantum technologies in the US).