Even if we could utilize light (photons) into something that could transfer data faster, the average time needed for data to be relayed between Mars and Earth would still take 3 minutes which, IMO is a crazy amount of time if for network propagation and relay of tx info if you ask me.
Suppose that we get to successfully colonize or settle in Mars, terraformed the planet to suit our human necessities for survival and basically replicated everything Earth has. Still, distance is an issue when we are sending data from Mars to Earth and vice-versa since empty space per se cannot be warped into something unless a huge body capable of warping space-time (gravity, in other terms) occupies that empty space (we'll stop there in the meantime.) Now, light remains to be the fastest object that travels through empty space, though photons can only carry much information in them--then again, each tx only carries a few bytes of data thanks to our bright developers, so there's that.
One solution might be to create a single stationary satellite in between the two planets, placing it in between Earth and Mars' orbits for it to not to be carried away by the Sun's gravity or any other heavenly body's gravity. Then again, you still have this constant problem of space dust and rocks hurling at speeds unimaginable to human metrics, some of which are traveling at thousands of kilometers per second. Also, the question of who will fund this satellite will come in to play as well knowing that no central body governs and oversees these kind of projects.
All in all, this isn't viable with today's technology. Focusing on current issues regarding the protocol and the network seems to be the most plausible thing to do first rather than aiming for the stars (or Mars) as our short-term goal.
Nope, as we already discussed elsewhere (Off topic?)...
The time it takes for light from the Sun to reach Earth is about 8 mins. I don't know how long it takes to reach Mars, but we can safely assume its a bit more.
Well the worst case scenario, you have to add BOTH the time light takes from mars to sun, and from sun to earth. When? When both planets are opposite to each other.
Yes there will be times when both planets are on the same side and communications will be faster. Of course we would need a relay somewhere when its actually opposite as the Sun would block (line of sight) communications entirely, so the communications round trip is actually even longer.
This is where the 40min ping figure comes from, a ping could literally take that long. Which is precisely why remote controlling things like probes all the way from Earth becomes tricky.
Of course as we also discussed, this makes Bitcoin unfeasible. Mars would have to have their own separate coin (blockchain) to be of any practical use there.
Interplanetary communications are not a joke, and Mars is quite close compared to, say, the asteroid belt or the "outer" giants and their "moons". That is (as i said) unless advancements with quantum entanglement make it feasible for instant communication across vast distances.
