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Pioneering Research Unlocks Quantum Network Potential: Game Theory Strategies for Optimal Entanglement Distribution

Posted: 03-04-2024

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    Dr. Indrakshi Dey, Walton Institute at South East Technological University (SETU) Head of Division – Programmable Autonomous Systems (PAS); Dr. Nicola Marchetti, CONNECT Centre, Trinity College Dublin; Marcello Caleffi, University of Naples Federico II; and Angela Sara Cacciapuoti, University of Naples Federico II, Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (DIETI); have collaborated on new research paper, “Quantum Game Theory meets Quantum Networks.” The paper, which introduces a novel framework integrating game theory with quantum networks to optimise entanglement distribution and network topology, has been published in prestigious journal IEEE Wireless Communications Magazine.

    Superiority of quantum strategies

    “Quantum Game Theory meets Quantum Networks” showcases the superiority of quantum strategies over classical approaches, highlighting advancements in link fidelity and reduced communication latency. It paves the way for interdisciplinary research to leverage quantum game theory for solving core challenges in quantum networking, marking a significant stride in quantum technology applications.

    The paper is a pioneering intersection of quantum game theory and quantum networks, marking a significant leap towards realising the Quantum Internet. It showcases the potential for quantum strategies to outperform classical ones and sets a vibrant roadmap for future interdisciplinary research, blending quantum physics, game theory, and network design.

    ‘Futuristic internet’

    Walton Institute’s Dr. Indraskshi Dey explains: “Imagine if computers could talk to each other in a secret language that is much faster and secure than anything we have today. That’s what scientists are trying to do with ‘quantum networks,’ which is a bit like a futuristic internet. But just like any team game where you have to pass the ball efficiently, these quantum computers need to learn how to share a special kind of quantum information called ‘entanglement’ in the best way possible. This paper talks about using a smart strategy, kind of like a playbook in sports, to help these computers share entanglement more cleverly. This strategy comes from a field called ‘game theory,’ which is about making decisions to win a game. Here, it’s used to ensure quantum computers talk to each other as well as possible, making our future internet super-fast and secure.”

    Fig. 1. Optimized information and resource flow over a quantum network topology with three leader nodes (Leader), multiple repeaters (R) and end-nodes (E) between A and B; both classical and quantum coalition games are employed and e1 → e3 → e4 → e2 are selected links for information flow.

    Accelerating scientific discoveries

    Dr. Dey says the research into using game theory for quantum networks could revolutionise how we communicate and process information. For example, sending messages that are faster and fundamentally secure from hacking. This could also mean an end to waiting for videos to buffer, making video calls as clear as talking face to face, and ensuring private information is safe from cyber threats. On a broader scale, it could accelerate scientific discoveries by enabling quick and secure sharing of data among researchers across the globe. “Essentially,” Dr. Dey tells us, “this research is laying the groundwork for a future where the internet is not just a part of life, but a faster, more secure backbone of modern society.”

    The next step of this research is to expand the quantum game-theoretical framework to tackle more complex challenges within quantum networks, such as optimising network topology, routing quantum information more efficiently, and designing networks that can adapt to changing conditions. Researchers plan to explore how different quantum strategies can impact the structure and performance of quantum networks in various scenarios, potentially leading to the development of smarter, self-optimising networks, while another direction is integrating evolutionary game theory to study how networks can evolve over time, improving their efficiency and resilience against disruptions. Additionally, addressing practical concerns like quantum decoherence and limited knowledge of network states will be crucial in bringing these theoretical models closer to real-world applications. Ultimately, this research aims to lay the groundwork for a fully functional Quantum Internet, revolutionising how we transmit and process information on a global scale.

    Fig. 2. Nash equilibrium point between the links for information flow from A to B with the objective of minimizing the number of quantum operations and latency, such that the information is exchanged within the end-to-end coherence time of the link. The cost function for node A and node B is computed using the total latency experienced over all the links that information of the nodes propagates on. These results are based on topology outlined in Fig. 1.

    Revolutionary leap

    “The findings from this research on quantum game theory and quantum networks hold significant potential for several industries,” Dr. Dey tells us. “In the future, sectors like cybersecurity could see a revolutionary leap in securing communications through quantum entanglement, making data breaches virtually impossible. Financial industries could benefit from quantum networks by executing ultra-secure transactions and complex quantum computing tasks for market analysis. The research could also enhance distributed quantum computing, allowing for collaborative scientific research, drug discovery, and problem-solving across quantum computers globally, reducing time and resource requirements. 

    Telecommunications could also evolve, Dr. Dey says, with quantum networks enabling high-speed, secure communication channels, and furthermore, we could see significant impact on the development of new technologies in sectors like energy, where quantum networks optimise grid management and distribution.

    “Quantum Game Theory meets Quantum Networks” can be accessed HERE.