Cryptography Apocalypse

8Quantum Networking

This chapter covers networking as specifically done by quantum devices using quantum properties. The quantum-resistant cryptography covered in Chapter 6 and the quantum-based cryptography covered in Chapter 7 can certainly be and often is used but is not a requirement for quantum-based networking. Quantum networking has its own inherent challenges and has been pursued by various companies and nations for well over a decade. Now that quantum supremacy is close to becoming a reality, the rush to find a sustainable quantum networking model is gathering steam. Specifically, this chapter will cover quantum networking components, challenges, and likely applications.

Networking is using an agreed-upon communication protocol to move information and content from source to destination over some sort of transmission medium, be it wireless, wired, or otherwise (e.g., human-based networks). Quantum networking uses quantum devices, properties, algorithms, and protocols to transmit (quantum) information across a network. As with every other quantum technology, quantum networking uses the full gambit of quantum properties, although you will hear the most discussion around superposition, entanglement, and the no-cloning theorem. Quantum networking can be done to link more quantum devices, physically spread apart, into a more powerful collective and to facilitate the transmission of information and content (including quantum teleportation). If done correctly, quantum networking ...