A group of researchers presented their research on Science Magazine, showing that using Internet Protocol (IP) quantum information can be transmitted over traditional fiber optic cables.
It is a low pilot test, and regardless of the results associated with quantum computing, the experiment will trigger the Bitcoin ecosystem.
The question is, “What is the potential meaning of the quantum internet within a network created by Nakamoto at?”
Bitcoin operates primarily through the Internet, so its infrastructure is quality and safety It directly affects P2P networks (from person to person), both in the transfer of BTC between users and communications between nodes responsible for blocking, transactions, and sending control messages.
The Bitcoin network is directly connected to a distributed network of nodes directly connected via TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and from an IP that exchanges blocks, transactions and consensus data.
It doesn’t rely on central servers, but its robustness comes from thousands of global connections, but it faces challenges like that Long distance delayssaturated network congestion and vulnerability to attacks such as Eclipse (node isolation) and Sybil (fake nodes).
Particularly the final quantum internet designed to improve data transmission; It can produce tangible benefits For Bitcoin operation.
One of the most relevant effects is the spread of blocks and transactions.
More than exceeding the physical limits of transmission speed (still affected by the speed of light), the quantum internet contributes More accurate synchronization and better error correction Between nodes.
This reduces the number of branching points and improves chain consistency, Orphan block appearance decreasesthat is, those who cannot join the main chain because another block was first verified.
Furthermore, synchronization of new nodes with the network (now a time and data rigorous process) It could be faster and saferBy allowing full communication of history with little risk of external errors and interference.
However, these advances have been transferred to global, voluntary networks such as Bitcoin, facing infrastructure, cost and node compatibility challenges.
Therefore, the specific benefits of Bitcoin depend on a wide range of adoption; They will probably be seen in the long term.
It is important to distinguish between them The quantum internet does not mean quantum computing itselfbut other than qubit processing, which represents the risk of encryption used in Bitcoin, a method for safely transmitting quantum information.
How did researchers send quantum data over the standard Internet?
To achieve this, they used a chip called “Q-chip.” Combine quantum signals with classical data It is a pulse of the same light, a short, controlled gust of photons that act as a means of transmitting this composite information.
The report suggests that future quantum networks could work About current Internet infrastructureso you don’t need to mount an exclusive network.
According to Professor Liang Feng, the main author of the study, the important thing is that Chip allows Quantum and classical signals travel together on the same cableAs he spoke of the specialist media on September 22nd under the same Internet protocol.
Q-chip, whose name comes from «Quantum Classic Hybrid Internet with Photonics» (Quantum Classic Hybrid Internet by Photonic): Each quantum symbol “header” Or classic headings.
This heading contains codified routing and synchronization information. Read with router Without affecting the state of Cubit The chip (quantum information unit).
loss router They play a central role on the Internet: read the headings of data packages and decide where to send them. Experiments have resulted in these devices treating headers as normal traffic, but quantum signals continue to move to their destination.
This means that, according to this experiment, Quantum Network can be managed with the same tools already developed for the traditional Internet.
Quantum experiments using commercially available optical fibers
For testing, scientists have established a simple connection between the server and the receiving node. Uses optical fiber kilometers It belongs to Verizon Company.
Innovation consisted of taking advantage of the fact that both quantum signals and classical headers react similarly to environmental interference. This allowed us to correct the noise using classical signals without changing the quantum information, and we were able to ensure that the data was complete.
It’s like thinking about a train with a front car (classic header). Carries address and route informationMeanwhile, the rear cars (quantum data) follow the same path and are protected without being directly inspected.
Again, that doesn’t mean higher transmission speeds, as the backcar will be at the same speed as the headers go at normal speeds.
Meaning and next steps
As Feng stated in its professional environment, this study is the first mark where quantum signals have been sent to standard fibers using IP in real networks rather than in laboratory environments.
This significantly reduces the barriers to viewing quantum internet. Avoid building a dedicated infrastructure To quantum computing.
According to Feng, Q-ChIP can be produced in series and scale relatively easily, as it is made from silicon using existing industrial processes.
Researchers are hoping for that In the next “5-10 years”,The first quantum networks are implemented in local or metropolitan environments.
Among the possible applications, Feng is “distributed detection for secure communication, connection with quantum computers, and ultra-fast navigation and synchronization.”
(tagstotranslate)Bitcoin (BTC)(T)Quantum computing(T)P2P exchange(T)Related nodes(T)
