They manage to transmit quantum data on the standard Internet, what does it mean for Bitcoin?

A group of researchers presented a study in the Science magazine where they show that it is possible to send quantum information through conventional fiber optic cables, using the Internet protocol (IP).

Although it was a low -scale pilot test, and regardless of the results related to quantum computing, that experiment would also bring triggers in the Bitcoin ecosystem.

The question would be «What are the potential implications of a quantum internet in the network created by Satoshi Nakamoto?»

Since Bitcoin operates mostly through the Internet, the quality and safety of that infrastructure directly affect your P2P network (person to person), both in the transfer of BTC between users and in communication between nodes responsible for transmitting blocks, transactions and control messages.

The Bitcoin Network is a decentralized network of nodes that are directly connected via TCP (transmission control protocol) and the IP to exchange blocks, transactions and consensus data.

While it does not depend on central servers and its robustness comes from thousands of global connections, it faces challenges such as latency in long distancescongestion in saturated networks and vulnerabilities to attacks such as eclipse (nodes isolation) or sybil (false nodes).

An eventual quantum Internet, designed to improve especially data sending, could generate tangible benefits For the operation of Bitcoin.

One of the most relevant effects would be in the spread of blocks and transactions.

More than exceeding the physical limit of the transmission speed (which remains subject to the speed of light), a quantum internet would contribute more precise synchronization and better error correction between nodes.

This could reduce bifurcations and improve the consistency of the chain, while The appearance of orphan blocks would decreasethat is, those who fail to join the main chain because another block was validated first.

In addition, the synchronization of new nodes with the network (today a demanding process in time and data) It could become faster and more safeby allowing the full transmission of the history with less risk of external errors or interference.

However, transferring these advances to a global and voluntary network such as Bitcoin faces infrastructure, costs and nodes compatibility challenges.

Therefore, the tangible benefits for Bitcoin will depend on a wide adoption and They will probably be seen in the long term.

It is important to distinguish that The quantum internet does not imply quantum computing itselfbut a method to transmit quantum information safely, other than cubits processing that does represent a risk for cryptography used in Bitcoin.

How did researchers transmit quantum data on the standard Internet?

To achieve this, they used a chip called «Q-chip», which allowed combine quantum signals with classic data In the same pulse of light, that is, a brief controlled gust of photons that serves as a means to transmit this combined information.

According to the report, this advance suggests that future quantum networks could work About the current Internet infrastructurewithout the need to mount exclusive networks for it.

According to Professor Liang Feng, main author of the study, the key is that the chip allows quantum and classic signals travel together by the same cableunder the same Internet protocols, as he told a specialized medium on September 22.

The Q-Chip, whose name comes from «quantum-classical hybrid internet by photonics» (Quantum-classic hybrid internet by photonic), match each quantum sign with a «header» or classic heading.

This heading contains codified routing and synchronization information that can be read by the routers without affecting the state of the Cubits (Quantum Information Unit) of the chip.

Los routers They fulfill a central role on the Internet: read the heading of the data packages to determine where to send them. The experiment made these devices handle the headers as normal traffic, while quantum signals traveled intact to their destination.

That means that, according to this experiment, the quantum network could be managed with the same tools already developed for the conventional Internet.

A quantum experiment with commercial optical fiber

For the test, the scientists established a simple connection between a server and a receiving node, using a kilometer of optical fiber Belonging to the Verizon company.

Innovation consisted of taking advantage of the fact that both the quantum signal and the classic header respond similar to environmental interference. Thanks to this, they were able to use the classic signal to correct noise without altering quantum information, ensuring that the data came complete.

It’s like thinking about a train where the front car (the classic header) carries the address and route informationwhile the rear cars (the quantum data) travel protected, following the same path without being directly inspected.

Once again, that would not mean a higher transmission speed, since, if the header goes at a normal speed, the back cars would go to the same speed.

Implications and next steps

As said by Feng to that specialized environment, the study marks the first time in which quantum signals were transmitted on standard fiber using IP in a real network, not in a laboratory environment.

This significantly reduces barriers to display a quantum Internet, since Avoid the construction of dedicated infrastructure to quantum computing.

According to Feng, being made in silicon with existing industrial processes, the Q-Chip can be produced in series and scale with relative ease.

Researchers expect that, In the next «5 to 10 years»the first quantum networks are implemented in local or metropolitan environments.

Among the possible applications, FENG maintains, are the «safe communications, the connection between quantum computers and the distributed detection for ultra -precise navigation and synchronization.»