It transmits information in the form of light.
These photons carry qubits, the basic units of quantum information.
Crucially, it is impossible to listen in on a quantum message without disturbing the quantum states.
It would instantly alert both parties to eavesdropping.
This makes the technologyuntappable.
Quantum communication typically relies on expensive lasers and cryogenic cooling equipment.
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The data pipe connected telecom data centres in Frankfurt and Kehl via a relay node in Kirchfeld.
While the data transmission was slow 110 bits per second it still represents an important stepping stone.
The findings were published inNaturethis week.
It lowers the entry barrier for industry adoption.
By exploiting quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement, quantum computers can process many more possibilities at once.
They could also break all internet encryption on what is known asQ-Day.
No wonder global governments arescramblingto develop their own quantum cryptography infrastructure.
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Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
