Galician telecom operator R, in collaboration with Cinfo and Kipu Quantum, has developed a quantum algorithm to optimize its optical fiber network. The algorithm, executed on quantum hardware from D-Wave and QuEra, could enable faster evaluation of network nodes, improving service quality and resilience. The technology could be useful as early as 2025, allowing the MASMOVIL Group to expand the work to larger networks. The algorithm identifies sensitive nodes that could impact service during disconnection or breakdown, allowing for proactive countermeasures. The project represents a significant step towards the practical use of quantum processors in the telecom industry.
Quantum Computing for Telecommunication Network Optimization
Telecommunication network operator R, in collaboration with Cinfo and Kipu Quantum, has developed a pilot project to analyze and enhance the resilience of its optical fiber communication network. The project’s primary objective is to improve the network’s quality of service by increasing its resilience. The team has designed an algorithm that can be executed on two different types of quantum hardware, quantum annealers from D-Wave and neutral-atom quantum processors from QuEra. The algorithm’s potential usefulness is projected to be realized as early as 2025, which could enable the MASMOVIL Group to expand this initial work to larger, more error-prone networks.
Quantum Algorithm for Network Analysis
The quantum algorithm designed for this project identifies the most sensitive nodes in the network, i.e., those that could have the most significant impact on the service in the event of a disconnection or breakdown. This information allows for targeted focus on these points, enabling proactive counteractions and ensuring maximum network availability and service excellence. Cinfo, which adapted the network model to the capabilities of accessible quantum computers, was supported by Kipu Quantum, which prepared the quantum algorithm model to analyze the R backbone network.
Quantum Computing in Two Phases: Quantum Annealers and Neutral Atoms
The quantum algorithm’s execution involves two phases. The first phase involves an analysis for each node with currently available quantum computers. Specifically, an initial classification of the network topology was performed with a quantum annealer on 180 of the 5,627 qubits available in the quantum computers of the D-Wave company. This allowed for sensible network segmentation. The second phase involved the examination of sublattices using QuEra’s quantum computer based on neutral-atom technology. This hybrid solution architecture, which employs various quantum computing technologies, was made possible due to the commercial access offered by providers through cloud services.
Quantum Computing for Industry: The Role of Cinfo and Kipu Quantum
Cinfo and Kipu Quantum have taken on the challenge of creating valuable use cases in quantum computing for industry. Cinfo is developing a team of professionals and selecting technology partners to design quantum algorithms and understand the different capabilities of existing quantum computers. Kipu Quantum, on the other hand, is working towards achieving quantum advantage in the short term with its application- and hardware-specific algorithms. These are adapted to existing hardware and aim to extract the best solutions from quantum processors with qubits encoded in trapped ions, neutral atoms, or superconducting circuits.
Quantum Computing for Network Improvement
The advanced fiber network infrastructure of R requires a detailed study of the connectivity of its nodes and strategic points to evaluate its strength. By running algorithms or models through quantum computers, it is possible to detect points of improvement in the network and draw conclusions to act and solve. As quantum computers become more powerful, a larger number of more complex variables can be incorporated into the algorithmic study. This will allow for the optimization and perfection of the infrastructure as it grows. The use of quantum computing for the analytical and complete resolution of common problems in the industry is imminent, which will allow for the discarding of current approaches based on brute force and experience.
