American Scientists Move Closer to Quantum Internet: Successful Transmission of Signals via IP and Fiber Optics

Engineers from the University of Pennsylvania have, for the first time, transmitted quantum signals through fiber optic cables using the Internet Protocol (IP). This breakthrough demonstrates that quantum communications can operate on the same infrastructure that already supports conventional internet traffic. The tests were conducted on Verizon’s network.

Q-Chip: the Key to Integration

To conduct the experiment, researchers developed a special quantum chip that merges classical and quantum data into standard packets. It can automatically adjust noise levels and route signals through the same addressing and control systems used in traditional networks.

Entanglement as the Basis of Quantum Communication

The transmission relies on quantum entanglement: a change in the state of one particle instantly affects the other. This approach may pave the way for information exchange between quantum computers, more efficient artificial intelligence systems, and breakthroughs in developing new materials and medicines.

Overcoming the Obstacles

One of the main challenges was the instability of commercial fiber optic lines, which are vulnerable to temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and other disturbances. Engineers overcame this using error-correction algorithms: since classical signals are affected similarly, they can be used to compensate for disruptions in the quantum channel. Tests showed the system achieved data transmission accuracy above 97%.

Scaling quantum networks remains a major challenge, as quantum signals cannot be amplified without destroying entanglement. Currently, quantum keys are used for secure communications over long distances, but they are not sufficient for full-fledged interaction between quantum processors.