Quantum Internet Takes a Step Forward with Metropolitan-Scale Connection

An international research team led by QuTech has made significant progress toward establishing a quantum internet by successfully demonstrating a connection between quantum processors over metropolitan distances. Published in *Science Advances*, the study showcases a 25-kilometer quantum link between two independent quantum nodes, marking a critical step from earlier lab-based experiments toward real-world applications of quantum networking.

While the conventional internet facilitates the sharing of information in the form of bits, the future quantum internet will enable the exchange of quantum information (qubits). Unlike classical bits, qubits can exist in superpositions of states (0 and 1 simultaneously) and can be entangled, allowing for instantaneous correlations across distances. These properties promise transformative advancements in communication and computing capabilities, enabling secure sharing of sensitive information such as financial or medical data and enhancing the performance of quantum computers through interconnected networks.