In Russia built the first quantum network – BBC News

In Tatarstan earned Russia’s first multi-node computer network that uses the technology of quantum cryptography. The main advantage of such networks is that the interception of these traditional methods is almost impossible.

The launch of Russia’s first section of a “quantum internet” newspaper “Izvestia” referring to its scientists have realized. According to them, this is a pilot project, whose main task – to conduct field trials of technology by integrating quantum channels in the existing telecommunications infrastructure

The main theoretical advantage over conventional quantum networks – protection from listening. Standard binary code, wherein the key-encrypted data sequence of bits are not so reliable. Quantum cryptography uses the quantum key distribution technology, which is based on the unique properties of subatomic photons. Since the receiver is sent to the transmitter beam of photons, which are in certain quantum states describing cryptographic key. If someone tries to intercept a key interception act changes the quantum state of a photon, warning users of a security breach.

The pilot project is implemented in Tatarstan based on the original development of Russian scientists. According to Arthur Gleyma, head of the laboratory practical quantum cryptography Kazan quantum center, the cost of a set of equipment to connect two points is now about $ 100 thousand. In the future, with the development of technology and production cost of the solution should fall considerably.

The first working this type of data transmission system built founders of quantum cryptography Charles Bennett and Gilles Brassard at the IBM Research center in 1989 year. It laser signals transmitted through the air passage. Later, a similar system was set up, but using the traditional to modern communication networks of optical fiber. Existing quantum data networks in the world are limited to speeds of several megabits per second, and the distance of a few tens of kilometers.

For more information about quantum cryptography can be found in “Wikipedia”. On the modern world achievements in this field also wrote “Vesti.Nauka” project

Source:. “Izvestia”