Experimental testbeds are proving that the principles of the quantum internet are functional, and some components are approaching maturity. But turnkey systems are another five to ten years away from performing.
ANDREAS THOSS, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
The internet is an inescapable part of modern life, and the hardware that enables it is almost as ubiquitous. Fiber cables transmit terabytes of data around the world every second and, although the technology is constantly evolving, it has become almost commonplace. The growing interest and investment in quantum technology, however, promises to enable an evolutionary leap in internet technology. But will this quantum internet replace or build upon the current internet? Will it emerge anytime soon? And what might it look like?
Artist’s impression of a three-node quantum network. The diamonds allude to one of the ways to generate the single…
