█ Pioneering Quantum Computing Collaboration with KAIST and Qunova Computing Used D-Wave Quantum Computer for Low-Earth-Orbital Satellite Networking Optimization for Ground-to-Ground Stations
█ Verification of 'Ultra-Performance' and 'Ultra-Precision' Communication Potential with Quantum Annealing Optimization Algorithm 600 Times Faster than Classical Methods
█ Expanding the Utilization of Quantum Computing Beyond networks… Strengthening Competitiveness Through Quantum Technology
SEOUL, September 25th, 2023 — LG U+, under the leadership of CEO, Hyeon Sik Hwang, has forged a collaborative alliance with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and Qunova Computing to propel the development of a groundbreaking 6G low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. This network facilitates seamless connectivity of ground-to-satellite links (SGLs) and inter-satellite-links (ISLs), employing the power of D-Wave’s quantum computing system. The endeavor has resulted in the successful optimization of this intricate network.
This research was carried out as part of an effort to significantly enhance network capabilities using quantum computers, which offer unprecedented processing speeds compared to traditional supercomputers. Through the industry-academic cooperation, LG U+ focused on optimizing end-to-end connections within satellite networks, where high computational power is essential.
The 6G LEO satellite network represents an innovative communication framework, leveraging not just ground stations, but also satellites orbiting within altitudes ranging from 500 to 10,000 km. For effective satellite communication, a robust connection is imperative not only for SGLs, but also for ISLs.
Enabling this connection for GSLs and ISLs mandates real-time adjustments based on a multitude of variables. Unlike stationary geostationary satellites, low-orbit satellites move at speeds of 7.8 km per second, necessitating advanced technology to rapidly determine optimal network configurations. Furthermore, establishing swift communication between low-orbit satellites and ground stations requires the ability to frequently reconfigure the rapid changes of satellite positions.
To establish a competitive edge in satellite network technology, LG U+ embarked on satellite network optimization research in collaboration with a team of KAIST and Qunova Computing led by Professor June-Koo Kevin Rhee, employing the D-Wave™ annealing quantum computer, one of the world’s first commercially accessible quantum systems. This joint effort has yielded remarkable achievement over the last year with the successful establishment of satellite-to-satellite connection optimization and the recent achievement of comprehensive and optimized connectivity, spanning from ground stations to satellites.
In light of this research, LG U+ has demonstrated the 6G satellite networking potential to deliver ultra-performance of user-perceived speeds exceeding 1 Gbps and ultra-precision of end-to-end latency of 5 ms or less in satellite communication environments, rivaling the standards set by terrestrial communication. These attributes align with the traits being developed for 6G communication.
As part of its future initiatives, LG U+ is poised to expand its quantum computing-driven research beyond 6G, exploring avenues to harness quantum characteristics across diverse communication technologies. The findings of this research, including quantum computer-based satellite communication optimization, were unveiled at Quantum Korea 2023, a prominent quantum event held in June.
Sangheon Lee, Leader of Advanced NW Technology Research Unit at LG U+, remarked, " As a part of our ongoing research to harness quantum computing in network technologies, we have successfully optimized end-to-end connections, a pivotal component of 6G satellite communication technology. Our commitment to advancing research in both 6G and quantum communication will further strengthen our network's competitive edge."
Kevin Rhee of KAIST and Qunova Computing has publicly stated, "D-Wave is the only quantum computing technology among existing quantum computers that can demonstrate practical quantum advantage, offering a quantum computing solution well suited for optimization calculations."
About LG U+: LG U+ is the flagship telecommunications and media company under LG Group, providing unmatched services and content that add value to customers.
As a leader of the telecommunications market, we launched the world’s first commercial 5G service and have exported various XR content around the globe.
We have gained customer trust through differentiated services that we provide such as U+Kids World, which ranked first in customer satisfaction among all children’s content in Korea. We are also the first IPTV operator to partner with Netflix and Disney+ in Korea. Now, we are actively expanding into new business areas beyond connectivity such as media, smart factory, and smart mobility with the ultimate goal of becoming a truly customer-centric and innovative company.
About KAIST: KAIST, founded in 1971, is South Korea's premier research-focused university, recognized as the most innovative institution in the Asia-Pacific region. With a diverse student body of approximately 11,000, KAIST emphasizes research-based education in the fields of science, engineering, and technology, while also fostering global academic collaborations through dual-degree programs and business education offerings.
About Qunova Computing:
Qunova Computing, established in 2021, is a Korea-based venture start-up pioneering quantum computing software applications, focusing on revolutionizing computer-aided material and drug discovery solutions focusing on revolutionizing computer-aided material and drug discovery solutions. Qunova team of multidisciplinary experts develops quantum computing solutions that outperform classical computers, particularly in areas such as electronic structure analysis and artificial intelligence. Qunova mission is to tackle complex global challenges in materials and drug discovery, and IT services, through the transformative power of quantum technology to bring the next industry revolutions to the customers.
About D-Wave:
D-Wave is a leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software, and services, and is the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers—and the only company building both annealing quantum computers and gate-model quantum computers. Our mission is to unlock the power of quantum computing today to benefit business and society. We do this by delivering customer value with practical quantum applications for problems as diverse as logistics, artificial intelligence, materials sciences, drug discovery, scheduling, cybersecurity, fault detection, and financial modeling. D-Wave’s technology has been used by some of the world’s most advanced organizations, including Volkswagen, Mastercard, Deloitte, Davidson Technologies, ArcelorMittal, Siemens Healthineers, Unisys, NEC Corporation, Pattison Food Group Ltd., DENSO, Lockheed Martin, Forschungszentrum Jülich, University of Southern California, and Los Alamos National Laboratory.