The Economics of the Quantum Internet

Stephen Battersby

Georgi Gary Rozenman, Neel Kanth Kundu, Ruiqi Liu +4 more

Abstract The quantum internet is a cutting‐edge paradigm that uses the unique characteristics of quantum technology to radically alter communication networks. This new network type is expected to collaborate with 6G networks, creating a synergy that will fundamentally alter how we communicate, engage, and trade information. The improved security, increased speed, and increased network capacity of the quantum internet will lead to the emergence of a broad variety of new applications and services. The current state of quantum technology and its integration with 6G networks are summarised in this study, with an emphasis on the key challenges and untapped possibilities. The main goal is to get knowledge about how the quantum internet might impact communication in the future and alter several economic and societal sectors.

Fabio Cavaliere, Rana Pratap Sircar, Tommaso Catuogno

Peter P. Rohde

Following the emergence of quantum computing, the subsequent quantum revolution will be that of interconnecting individual quantum computers at the global level. In the same way that classical computers only realised their full potential with the emergence of the internet, a fully-realised quantum internet is the next stage of evolution for quantum computation. This cutting-edge book examines in detail how the quantum internet would evolve in practise, focusing not only on the technology itself, but also the implications it will have economically and politically, with numerous non-technical sections throughout the text providing broader context to the discussion. The book begins with a description of classical networks before introducing the key concepts behind quantum networks, such as quantum internet protocols, quantum cryptography, and cloud quantum computing. Written in an engaging style and accessible to graduate students in physics, engineering, computer science and mathematics.

Stephanie Wehner

Diego R. Lopez, Blanca Lopez, Vicente Martín

While quantum communications technology evolves, the promise of a Quantum Internet becomes closer and different proposals to build it have been already proposed, addressing different aspects of what such a global network would imply. We believe a consistent reference architecture model for the Quantum Internet is required to progress in its evolution, addressing the different dimensions such a network has to consider, including the interaction with the "classical" Internet. Such a reference architecture would provide a framework for the integration of the protocols applicable to it, and enable the advance of the applications based on it. As a reference model, it should allow the proposition and analysis of different approaches and solutions, providing a framework to reason about these solutions and their interplay to achieve a global Quantum-enabled open network.Such a model has to satisfy three essential requirements: agility, enabling it to adapt to the evolution of quantum communications base technologies, sustainability, with open availability in technological and economical terms, and pliability, being able to integrate with the operations and management procedures in current networks. This paper describes the reference architecture framework currently being discussed in the QIRG (Quantum Internet Research Group) of IRTF, and intended to provide a conceptual common framework for the integration of the different technology proposals to build the Quantum Internet infrastructure and its convergence with the current Internet. The framework is based on the already extensive experience in the deployment and operation of QKD infrastructures and on recent initiatives focused on the integration of networks and services.