Vodafone Group tapped quantum specialist Orca Computing to jointly research ways to optimise mobile and fixed network architectures, a potentially big challenge for the technology given the scale of the operator’s footprint and variety of equipment.
The companies plan to first assess the ability of Orca Computing’s quantum technology to overcome what Vodafone describes as complex design challenges relating to its global fibre network.
Vodafone explained the network covers more than 200 destinations and includes a submarine cable which conveys “around one-sixth of the world’s internet traffic”.
Another initial use for Orca Computing’s quantum technology is a budding Vodafone direct-to-device broadband satellite system.
All testing involves running Vodafone software on Orca Computing’s PT-2 Series photonic quantum systems. The operator explained exploration of fresh approaches is necessitated by the growing size and complexity of fixed and mobile networks, along with demand for fresh digital services.
Vodafone and Orca Computing’s focus is on enhancing the “current mathematical methods used to approximate optimal network layouts”.
It predicted the set-up could “help reduce total cable length and optimise the location of mobile base stations”, boosting speed of deployment while reducing “major civil engineering work”.
Luke Ibbetson, head of R&D of Vodafone, said quantum technology is attractive for network optimisation due to its ability to solve “ultra-complex problems” faster than traditional computing set-ups.
“Modelling new networks that maximise speed, reliability and coverage for customers, while navigating urban clutter and rural obstacles, could in future take minutes.”
Vodafone and Orca Computing were among a group which recently demonstrated the ability of quantum technology to solve the Steiner Tree Problem, a complex mathematical challenge, during a dedicated event as part of a UK government and private sector collaboration into the field.