Eurofiber will commence a trial project in late April this year focusing on quantum internet. Research into quantum internet is crucial for the advent of quantum computing, undoubtedly the next revolution in the field of computing. 'We are partnering with the Dutch research institute QuTech to explore the functionality and possibilities of the quantum internet. It is a project that will provide us with valuable insights into one of the biggest upcoming revolutions in IT,' says Marc Hulzebos, Innovation Officer at Eurofiber.
Quantum Internet
The goal of the collaboration with QuTech is to successfully demonstrate fundamentally secure quantum communication via the existing Eurofiber fiber optic network. Marc Hulzebos states, "That is what we are going to investigate together with QuTech in a 'proof of concept.' The specific form of secure encryption that we are testing between our data center locations contains technology that can be used to connect quantum computers; the quantum internet." The quantum equivalent of the classical computer bit, which quantum computers are built upon, the qubit, can be used to distribute secure encryption keys across a network. Using Quantum Key Distribution technology (QKD), qubits are sent over a network and detected by a receiver. This is used to generate a fundamentally secure key protected by the laws of physics. "This aspect is very interesting for us as a provider of vital digital infrastructure because it is already available. Because this encryption is theoretically unhackable, it is interesting for all organizations that deal with sensitive information such as governments, financial institutions, and healthcare organizations," says Hulzebos.
Future-Proof
The technology needed to build the quantum internet is still under development. It may take several years before it is possible to efficiently and reliably transmit these qubits over a longer distance. Nevertheless - or perhaps because of this - it is crucial for Eurofiber to start working on it now, says Marc Hulzebos. "Our Innovation department is not only concerned with the technological developments of today but also closely monitors future developments. We therefore also look at applications that may only be widely available in five or ten years." Eurofiber is therefore closely involved in the Dutch Quantum ecosystem, which is currently in full development. "We do this so that Eurofiber's customers can trust that our infrastructure and services are safe and future-proof today and tomorrow."
Quantum Computing: A Radical Breakthrough
Quantum computing represents a radical break from the traditional way computers operate. A regular computer performs its calculations with bits: either a 0 or a 1. A quantum computer, based on advanced physics (quantum mechanics), uses qubits: these can simultaneously be both a 0 and a 1. This allows them to solve complex calculations much faster than current types of computer systems ever could - if they could at all. "Sycamore," a recent quantum project by Google, for example, calculated a complex combination of sums in three minutes and twenty seconds. According to Google, this would take at least 10,000 years with a standard computer.
