Invention:
This invention proposes a quantum network of satellites in order to provide global coverage. The idea is to have terrestrial quantum networks be connected with low earth orbit satellites and have a subnetwork of medium and greater earth orbit satellites. This invention capitalizes on the security and speed of quantum networks and common satellite communications.
Background:
Quantum communication takes advantage of the laws of quantum physics to protect data. These laws allow particles—typically photons of light for transmitting data along optical cables—to take on a state of superposition, which means they can represent multiple combinations of 1 and 0 simultaneously. The particles are known as quantum bits, or qubits. If viewed, qubits break down to either a 1 or 0 because of their fragile quantum state. This makes quantum communication secure because information cannot be viewed or tampered with when it is being sent.
Quantum networks facilitate the transmission of information in qubits between physically separated quantum processors. A quantum processor is a small quantum computer able to perform quantum logic gates on a certain number of qubits. Quantum networks work in a similar way to classical networks. The main difference is that quantum networking is better at solving certain problems.
Applications:
- 5G wireless networks
- Internet of Things
- Optical networks
- Autonomous vehicles
- Satellite communication
Advantages:
- Secure
- Global coverage
- Reliable
