Today, like never before, we are witnessing a pervasive diffusion of ultra-broadband fixed-mobile connectivity, the deployment of 5G infrastructures and its integration with Cloud-Edge Computing. Moreover, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the center of this Digital Transformation. Sustainability of future scenarios will have to face several techno-economic challenges: the transmission and processing of enormous quantity of data with ultra-low latencies, automation of management processes, strict requirements of resilience, security and privacy, optimization of resources and energy, new markets dynamics. This is requiring a rethinking of the ways of doing computation and communications. As a matter of fact, a second revolution is underway with a growing interest - and several investments from Industries worldwide – and expected potential exploitations for meeting said evolutionary requirements and the sustainability. This paper provides a description of an innovative approach based on evanescent, electromagnetic waves and tunneling photons, for developing quantum computing systems, so called Quantum Hypercomputing. Some examples of potential applications are also provided.
Today, like never before, we are witnessing a pervasive diffusion of ultra-broadband fixed-mobile connectivity, the deployment of 5G infrastructures and its integration with Cloud-Edge Computing. Moreover, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the center of this Digital Transformation. Sustainability of future scenarios will have to face several techno-economic challenges: the transmission and processing of enormous quantity of data with ultra-low latencies, automation of management processes, strict requirements of resilience, security and privacy, optimization of resources and energy, new markets dynamics. This is requiring a rethinking of the ways of doing computation and communications. As a matter of fact, a second revolution is underway with a growing interest - and several investments from Industries worldwide – and expected potential exploitations for meeting said evolutionary requirements and the sustainability. This paper provides a description of an innovative approach based on evanescent, electromagnetic waves and tunneling photons, for developing quantum computing systems, so called Quantum Hypercomputing. Some examples of potential applications are also provided.
Today, like never before, we are witnessing a pervasive diffusion of ultra-broadband fixed-mobile connectivity, the deployment of Cloud-native 5G network and service platforms, and the wide adoption of Artificial Intelligence. It has the so-called Digital Transformation of our Society: as a matter of fact, the transformative role of Telecommunications and Information Communication Technologies (ICT) has long been witnessed as a precursor of scientific progress and economic growth in the modern world. Nevertheless, this transformation is still laying its foundations on Electronics and the impending end of Moore’s Law: therefore, a rethinking of the long-term ways of doing computation and communications has been already started. Among these different ways, quantum technologies might trigger the next innovation breakthrough in the medium long-term. In this direction, the paper provides an overview of the state of the art, challenges, and opportunities posed by an expected second wave of quantum technologies and services.
While the commercial deployment of 5G networks and beyond is a reality, the first work for the definition and study of 6G networks has started. The scientific community agrees that these networks will be characterised by a very high spatial density of access points, heterogeneity of access technologies, an increased number of users per access point, and demand for ubiquitous connectivity that must combine ultra-low latency, very high bandwidth, and high energy efficiency [1, 2]. Among the emerging challenges, holographic communications, high-precision manufacturing, the ubiquitous introduction of intelligence, and the incorporation of new technologies based on sub-terahertz (THz) or Visible Light Communications (VLC) are real issues. These are taking place in a truly three-dimensional coverage framework, integrating terrestrial and aerial radio to meet the needs with cloud-based capabilities where and when needed (on-demand). Radio frequencies are used in wireless telecommunications, but the need for very high throughput requires wider bandwidths, hence very high frequencies, in particular THz bands. Moving to a higher frequency range—from 100 GHz to 10 THz—is expected to significantly increase the bandwidth of the radio channel, which will make it possible to serve a significant number of users. In this case, we are not talking about the connection of cell phones, tablets, or computers (and even smart cars)—we are considering the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which within one base station can be quite a lot. Therefore, the technologies for beamforming, device location, etc., developed for the 5G generation that is just being implemented now should also remain but will be used at higher frequencies [3]. For which 6G is primarily intended, IoT solutions have been given a particular name: ‘human-machine-things’. They involve three elements in the system: a person as a physical carrier; an intelligent device with which the person interacts; collects data and executes commands from an application running on the person's device [4]. The 6G radio networks will provide the means of communication and data gathering necessary to accumulate information. Still, a system's approach will be required for the 6G technology market as a whole involving data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and next-generation computation capabilities via HPC and quantum computing [3, 5]. This tremendous amount of data may be harnessed, with strong processing and learning capabilities, to manage the network at different levels. To this end, quantum computing methods can play a significant enabling role and can provide a guaranteed security platform. Towards provisioning this massive connectivity and efficiently processing the voluminous data available at the user and network sides, quantum-powered computing methods have a strong potential in realising the ambitions of a service-driven, fully intelligent 6G communication network. There is every reason to believe that the integration of quantum technology can improve the throughput, efficiency, and security of 6G networks. In addition to the advantages mentioned above, this technology also has benefits in computing speed, guaranteed security, and minimal storage requirements. This makes it ideally suited for various future quantum communication network applications. Research is needed on many fronts to evaluate the potential opportunities of quantum computing in 6G applications. In 5G, a functional division is operated in both the RAN and core networks to meet the ultra-low latency and ultra-high efficiency requirements of 5G verticals. Notably, RAN functions are split into cloud-deployed services with interfacing capabilities. This new architecture has a significant impact on the efficient implementation of security processes [6]. One of the key challenges in deploying secure 5G networks is analysing how current cryptographic algorithms for secure authentication and data transmission can adapt to provide secure authentication between services and secure data encryption while ensuring that stringent efficiency requirements are met [7]. The powerful parallel processing capability of quantum search algorithms can be leveraged to solve large-scale wireless optimisation problems. (1) Is this ‘beyond 5G?’ This topic is highly exploratory and undoubtedly beyond the boundaries of core 5G R&D. (2) What are the new features and key challenges? Classically, the mutual information between the channel input and output must be maximised. For quantum channels, the capacity must be redefined. Quantum channels can increase the achievable capacity. As a result, error correction without redundancy is possible on noisy channels. Quantum computers can enable exponentially complex combinatorial ML decoding in classical systems [5, 6]. To cope with latency-critical scenarios such as automated cars and medical applications, communication must be accomplished in a concise time. Achieving latency of only a few milliseconds is a real challenge. To achieve low latency and ultra-high reliability, it is essential to develop powerful high-end processors that consume little power. Quantum computing seems to be a reliable solution to this issue [8]. With variable quality of service (QoS) requirements, a variable radio resource must be allocated to the user. This can be of variable bandwidth, variable power, or both. Another challenging aspect of 6G is that with the propagation frequency, the signal can attenuate quickly and have a high penetration loss at high frequencies [9]. The signal is also automatically attenuated when accessing homes, residences, or workplaces. As the frequency increases, radio waves attenuate and may have difficulty penetrating the walls of buildings and homes while affecting users' QoS requirements. Therefore, it is very important to develop stable, fast and accurate quantum algorithms to handle 6G communication requirements by dynamically allocating variable resources [10]. The current 5G standard does not address the issue of quantum computing but relies on traditional cryptography. The development towards cloud and edge native infrastructures is expected to continue in 6G networks. While large-scale quantum computing can be expected to take a longer duration, it is time to prepare for the shift to cryptography that is secure in the post-quantum world. According to current knowledge, contemporary symmetric cryptography remains secure for the most part, even after the advent of quantum computing. Furthermore, authentication by a physical layer signature, such as RF fingerprinting, and some other technologies, such as randomisation of MIMO transmission coefficients, coding, etc., could potentially be used in 6G [5, 11]. Whether it is for the optimisation of heterogeneous resources in 6G networks that result in the solution of ‘NP-complete’ combinatorial problems, for the compensation of non-linear effects of a communication chain or the optimisation of MIMO transmitter pre-coding matrix, future network nodes and devices will have to be equipped with learning and decision-making capabilities through AI and machine learning, so that they autonomously optimise their operation in response to changes in the environment [5]. In this context, the use of optimisation techniques based on quantum computing and AI applied to the field of 6G networks could be of considerable interest. Besides, quantum computing allows NP-hard optimisation problems to be solved in linear time, making it possible to solve and execute network optimisation problems in a much faster time, even in real-time [5, 11]. Regulatory and standardisation work will impact our future technology solutions in 5G networks and beyond. Protecting individual privacy and identity has long been a challenge for standards bodies, as countries have very different perspectives and regulations in this area. International standards bodies such as JTC 1 have committees working on privacy frameworks and are making progress, but there is still much to be done [13]. To conclude, we believe that our readers will find this opinion piece useful in giving an overview of the importance of Quantum Computing/communications in shaping the next communication systems and its security platforms. This is a technology in its infancy and a lot of research remains to be carried out to achieve sustainable solutions and overcome the current challenges. The use of intelligent systems (AI, ML and other techniques) will be essential in achieving solutions faster and providing sustainable outcomes. But IoT devices as well as cloud and edges nodes must be AI-ready and be able to support the use of intelligent algorithms.
Over the last few years, we have witnessed an impressive growth of data traffic and a progressive Digital Transformation of Industry and Society: the deployment of the ultra-broadband and low latency network infrastructures (e.g., 5G) are leading to a global digitalization of several domains. These techno-economic trends are expected to continue and even accelerate in the next decade, at end of which, 6G and smart networks and services will be exploited. Innovation will continue to drive the global economy into the next decade. This paper draws some technology trends and applications scenarios for this horizon, where Quantum Optical Communications are likely to disrupt Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Telecommunications. Among the enabling technologies and solutions moving in this direction, this paper briefly addresses: quantum optical switching and computing, THz-to-optical conversions and advanced metamaterials for smart radio-optical programmable environments and Artificial Intelligence. The paper concludes with the description of a future application scenario, called Quantum Optical Twin, where the above Quantum Optical Communications technologies are exploited to provide services such as: ultra-massive scale communications for connected spaces and ambient intelligence, holographic telepresence, tactile Internet, new paradigms of brain computer interactions, innovative forms of communications.
Over the last few years, we have witnessed an impressive growth of data traffic and a progressive Digital Transformation of Industry and Society: the deployment of the ultra-broadband and low latency network infrastructures (e.g., 5G) are leading to a global digitalization of several domains. These techno-economic trends are expected to continue and even accelerate in the next decade, at end of which, 6G and smart networks and services will be exploited. Innovation will continue to drive the global economy into the next decade. This paper draws some technology trends and applications scenarios for this horizon, where Quantum Optical Communications are likely to disrupt Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Telecommunications. Among the enabling technologies and solutions moving in this direction, this paper briefly addresses: quantum optical switching and computing, THz-to-optical conversions and advanced metamaterials for smart radio-optical programmable environments and Artificial Intelligence. The paper concludes with the description of a future application scenario, called Quantum Optical Twin, where the above Quantum Optical Communications technologies are exploited to provide services such as: ultra-massive scale communications for connected spaces and ambient intelligence, holographic telepresence, tactile Internet, new paradigms of brain computer interactions, innovative forms of communications
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the field of quantum communication has emerged in recent years as a promising avenue for enhancing secure data transmission, error correction, and scalability in quantum networks. This paper offers a comprehensive survey of AI applications in quantum communication, with a focus on machine learning (ML) models such as neural networks and reinforcement learning, which are adapted to manage complex quantum challenges. Despite the growing body of research, current studies often concentrate on specific AI techniques or quantum applications, lacking a unified framework that evaluates their practical effectiveness, scalability, and cost-efficiency. Addressing this gap, our survey systematically reviews and categorizes AI-driven methodologies across core aspects like system security, transmission speed, and reliability. Through a critical comparison and ranking of existing techniques, this study identifies best practices and key advancements while highlighting areas requiring further exploration. By providing an in-depth analysis of AI's potential to transform quantum communication, this paper aims to serve as a foundational resource for researchers and practitioners seeking to develop resilient, adaptive, and economically viable quantum communication systems.
Fast data and growing artificial intelligence have brought traditional computer infrastructures to their limits. They expose inherent limitations in processing speed, energy efficiency, and scalability. In the face of nearing physical barriers with Moore's Law and memory bottlenecks plaguing traditional von Neumann architectures, quantum computing offers a completely new way of leveraging principles such as superposition and entanglement to redefine computation possibilities. This review is concerned with addressing how quantum computing stands to do that foundational AI and big data challenges, from accelerating extremely complex optimization tasks to enabling very secure, real-time analytics. These topics include basic principles of quantum mechanics, the basis of qubits and quantum circuits; updates in quantum algorithms (such as Grover's search, quantum annealing); and hybrid classical-quantum systems that serve as pathways through technological gaps. The paper suggests major applications of transformative nature in some of the higher-impact domains: quantum-accelerated drug discovery for health, portfolio optimization in finance, and quantum-secured communication infrastructures to guard the IoT. Case studies present early successes on quantum machine learning models improving diagnostic accuracy and annealing-based traffic optimization for urban congestion. Decoherence, error-prone devices, as well as low software ecosystems are conspiring against the actual roadways to practical quantum advantages. Future progress is dependent on the innovative development of error-corrected qubits, scalable algorithms, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration. While universal quantum supremacy remains while unreached, this coming decade promises a series of developments toward applied, specific applications that will place quantum computing as an added force among the classical systems. This review tries to project both sides of the likely potential of the space, obstacles, and path, paving the way for the researcher to find their foot in the continually progressing quantum-AI terrain.