Quantum-based wireless sensor networks: A review and open questions

Abstract

Applications of quantum computing are growing at a very fast pace, for example, from quantum computers to quantum algorithms and even to the development of the quantum Internet. However, the use of quantum technology in wireless sensor networks has not been thoroughly investigated just yet. This is in part due to the complexity of using big, costly, and highly energy-consuming machines that are quantum computers to this date, compared to the nodes used in wireless sensor networks which are small, inexpensive, and operate with very low energy consumption requirements. However, we can expect that in the future (possibly in the next decade) quantum computers will be commercial and reduced in size, and hence, they can be used for sensor network applications which are the basis of the Internet of Things. In this review, we study the road from quantum computing to quantum wireless sensor networks and how the analysis and design of these systems have to change to accommodate quantum capabilities in sensors, processors, communication links, and overall performance of these monitoring networks.

Quantum Communication Networks for Energy Applications: Review and Perspective

“…Moreover, quantum networks of sensors (particularly networks of quantum sensors) will improve the spatial resolution of global mapping, while wireless quantum network development will also facilitate data transmission. [19]…”

Exploration of the Practical Development of Quantum Communication

“…On the other hand, wireless sensor networks require small nodes, low prices, and extremely low energy consumption. In the next decade, quantum computing is expected to become a miniaturized and commercialized quantum computing, laying the foundation for its application in sensor networks [1]. Koziy A A studied several important single photon detection technologies represented by quantum key distribution.…”

A flexible continuous-wave quantum cryptography scheme with zero-trust security for Internet of Things

“…13,14 Therefore, in this scenario, it is reasonable to resort to quantum cryptography (QC), whose security is based on the fundamental laws of quantum physics rather than on the complexity of computing. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] To implement the perfect secure one time pad (OTP) 19 with QC, one needs to generate a truly random raw key based on the random nature of quantum physics 20,21 and distribute it with quantum key distribution QKD. 22,23 Unlike the original QKD protocol based on modulation and detection of discrete variables of single photons, 22 an alternative continuous-variable (CV) QKD protocol is based on homodyne or heterodyne detection of the amplitude and phase of coherent optical fields.…”

“…13,14 Therefore, in this scenario, it is reasonable to resort to quantum cryptography (QC), whose security is based on the fundamental laws of quantum physics rather than on the complexity of computing. 2–18…”