Quantum Computing - Quantum Networks
It’s Quantum Wednesday! I decided to write a weekly article on quantum computing, such an exciting field in rapid acceleration. This is the fifth article in the series.
- Quantum Computers: Optimism and Pessimism
- Quantum Computers: Models of Computation
- Quantum Computers: IBM, Google, Intel, Microsoft
- Quantum Computers: Startups in the race!
This week we will focus on quantum networking. With the rapid advances documented in The Economist, how can we contrast the different nation's interest in quantum networking?
What is it?
Quantum networking leverages quantum mechanics and algorithms such as QKD (quantum key distribution) to ensure safe communication between parties. This does not mean that it is impossible to intercept, however the act of trying to intercept the communication will be detected by both parties who can in turn apply adequate measures. However critics argue that the weakest link is not in the encryption algorithms but in the surrounding hardware, software and human-driven processes.
Investments
Nation states’ investment in quantum communication networks vary widely. This distinction is most apparent when contrasting American strategy from Chinese deployments, surprising as both are leaders in fundamental quantum research according to patents attributed*. Other countries focus on tactical point solutions and research network before bigger scale deployments.
The United States and its military complex have been early proponents of quantum technology, but early setbacks reduced investments in this area. For example, the US Air Force Scientific Advisory Board suggested that QKD had “little advantage over the best classical alternatives”. This statement is based seen in the context that the weakest link in real world security communication implementation is rarely the encryption algorithm itself.
By contrast, China is investing heavily in linking regional quantum networks already in place. The network already links Beijing and Shanghai, each regional networks of about 50 nodes. China also invests in space-based quantum communication technology to reach farther regions in the country. The country’s leadership thus sees this infrastructure with strategic long-term value worth the heavy investments.
Other countries focus on proving out the concept and networking a smaller number of sites. For example, Switzerland is linking a few critical bank systems together with quantum communication infrastructure and securing their electoral system. Australia for it’s part is limiting its quantum network to a few government sites in the capital.
Personal perspective
From a tactical perspective, I think it’s a bit premature to invest in large physical infrastructure project to deploy this technology that has not fully matured yet and which does not solve the main security weaknesses of current implementations. Why not wait until the value of this technology, and cost makes it realistic to deploy at scale?
However, from a higher level strategic perspective, I believe the Chinese government is doing a great investment in the future of telecommunication by building its network. As Chinese company learn from wide-scale deployment efforts, they will be in a leadership position to then sell their products and expertise internationally when the time is right, making China the leader in quantum networking. Similar examples can be seen with AI and Industrial IoT. Will Western governments block these company the same way as imports of Huawei and ZTE equipment was banned by the U.S. government?
Next week, we will explore why the time to invest in quantum computing is now or never for governments, tech companies and startups!