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Projecte ofert

Títol: Modelling and Optimization of Time Synchronization Systems for Satellite Based Quantum Networks


Per assignar-vos el projecte us heu de dirigir al director/a perquè us l'assigni.


Director/a: JOFRE CRUANYES, MARC

Departament: ENTEL

Títol: Modelling and Optimization of Time Synchronization Systems for Satellite Based Quantum Networks

Data inici oferta: 07-03-2024     Data finalització oferta: 07-11-2024



Estudis d'assignació del projecte:
    DG ENG AERO/SIS TEL
    DG ENG AERO/TELEMÀT
Tipus: Individual
 
Lloc de realització: EETAC
 
Paraules clau:
Quantum Communications, Satellite Quantum Networks, Time Synchronization
 
Descripció del contingut i pla d'activitats:
Description
Quantum Networking (QN) has the potential to revolutionize many areas of science and technology [1], [2], [3]. Unlike the current Internet, which relies on classical bits, the quantum Internet will utilize quantum bits, or qubits, as its fundamental units of information. Qubits possess an extraordinary property known as superposition, enabling them to exist in a combination of 0 and 1 simultaneously. This unique feature grants qubits immense computational power, opening doors to applications that are currently beyond the reach of classical computers.
Moreover, QN are crucial components of the future quantum Internet, enabling secure and efficient quantum communication and computation within satellite distances [4]. However, the development of scalable and reliable QNs faces significant challenges, including the inherent fragility on time synchronization of quantum systems and the need for efficient integration with existing classical networking infrastructure.

To address these challenges, this project proposes to evaluate a time synchronization system based on Precise Time Protocol [5], and utilizing microcontroller cards to effectively model and evaluate its performance and scalability.

In this direction, microcontroller cards will be employed due to their affordability, versatility, and programming flexibility, which serve as an ideal platform for implementing and modelling time synchronization architectures. Microcontrollers can replicate the functionality of QN nodes, enabling the emulation of quantum communication protocols and algorithms.

Methodology and Objectives to achieve
The approach of the project follows the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) [6] model which provides a standardized framework for designing and analyzing communication systems. This model divides communication into seven layers, each responsible for specific functionalities. In particular of interest for this project is the physical layer in order to provide synchronization capabilities.
Accordingly, the main objective of this research project is to model, optimize and characterize the Precise Time Protocol for satellite QNs. In particular, the QN nodes will emulate distributing signals throughout the network with a time synchronization specification compatible for quantum communications.
The specific objectives of this research project are:
- Model time synchronization clocks for Quantum Networks.
- Experimentally optimize and characterize the time synchronization system.
- Characterize and discuss results, future work and limitations.

Workplan
First, at the modelling phase, the student will model time synchronization with the direction of the directors of the thesis. At the optimization stage the candidate will have access to hardware equipment to configure and evaluate the Precise Time Protocol adjusted to QN for satellite systems.

References
[1] P. P. Rohde, The Quantum Internet: The Second Quantum Revolution. 2021.
[2] H. J. Kimble, "The quantum internet," Nature, vol. 453, no. 7198, Art. no. 7198, Jun. 2008, doi: 10.1038/nature07127.
[3] M. Pant et al., "Routing entanglement in the quantum internet," Npj Quantum Inf., vol. 5, no. 1, Art. no. 1, Mar. 2019, doi: 10.1038/s41534-019-0139-x.
[4] R. V. Meter, Quantum Networking, 1st edition. London': Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-ISTE, 2014.
[5] "Precision Time Protocol," Wikipedia. Nov. 09, 2023. Accessed: Jan. 27, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Precision_Time_Protocol&oldid=1184274356
[6] "OSI model," Wikipedia. Feb. 08, 2024. Accessed: Feb. 08, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=OSI_model&oldid=1204809786


For further information contact:
Prof. Marc Jofre: marc.jofre@upc.edu
Dept. Network Engineering - EETAC
 
Orientació a l'estudiant:
Basic Python programming
 
Requereix activitats hardware: Si
 
Requereix activitats software:     Sistema operatiu:     Disc (Gb):
 
Horari d'atenció a estudiants per a l'assignació de projecte:
Matins i tardes

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