Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

International Conference on Quantum Communications, Networking, and Computing (QCNC)

Towards holistic quantum communications infrastructures

Alberto Sebastián-Lombraña, Hans H. Brunner, Rubén B. Méndez, Chi‐Hang Fred Fung, Juan P. Brito, Momtchil Peev, Vicente Martín

Published Mar 31, 2025• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Telecommunication networks must embrace new cutting-edge functions, which are to be added to the diverse set of functions already existing. When conceived, network architectures are often reduced to narrow sets of components, planes or layers. This applies to both traditional descriptions —e.g., OSI layers— and novel ones. For quantum networks, the current academic and standardized descriptions tend to include only QKD-specific components. This paper proposes a holistic view of quantum networks that exploits the combined capabilities of traditional networks with state-of-the-art technologies, to enable new modes of communication.

DOI
10.1109/qcnc64685.2025.00083

Related papers

Integration of Quantum Key Distribution Networks and Classical Networks: An Evolution Perspective

Jian Li, Peng Zheng, Zhonghui Li +5 more

As a promising quantum application, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology has been rapidly developed from point-to-point communication to a large-scale commercial network. However, considering the cost of QKD components and network infrastructure, building a QKD network is challenged by its expensive capital expenditure, which significantly hinders its future popularization. In this article, we envision an evolution roadmap consisting of three stages for the future development of QKD networks, aiming at achieving a fully integrated network architecture that combines QKD and telecommunications networks. Powered by several critical technologies, such as link multiplexing, miniaturized QKD, and transmission optimization, QKD is foreseen to be integrated into telecommunications networks as an add-on module that can be flexibly deployed. After that, we introduce the integrated network architecture design in detail, and respectively provide four QKD-related function implementations. At last, key technologies that should be concerned and further investigated are also discussed with performance evaluation, which can provide theoretical guidance for both industries and academia. Based on the proposed roadmap and integrated architecture, we believe a scalable, easy-to-use, and affordable QKD service can be brought to current telecommunication networks, and extensively applied by ordinary people while using daily applications.

IEEE Network•Feb 13, 2025•15 citations

Quantum key distribution in optical fibers: a comprehensive design view of the overall quantum layer beyond transmission

A. Pagano, Roberto Mercinelli, Maurizio Valvo +1 more

This paper reports the network operator point of view about the introduction of quantum key distribution (QKD) in optical networks to secure the data plane and/or specific applications, focusing on the design aspects that go beyond pure transmission. The functional architecture of a quantum key distribution network is depicted focusing on the integration in the existing telecommunications infrastructure. Some use cases of the utilization of the QKD layer, presenting results from in-field demonstrations, are reported together with a technology agnostic numerical model about resource sharing in a metropolitan area network environment.

Journal of Optical Communications and Networking•Jul 2, 2024•4 citations

Advancing the Future of Quantum Communication Networks: the new MadQCI

Alberto Sebastián-Lombraña, Laura Ortiz, Juan P. Brito +10 more

The new quantum communication networks excel in size and power nowadays. Quantum communication infrastructures are set to become a quantum proto-internet with worldwide reach. However, usually technical and technological approximations are homogeneous and difficult to transfer to the real world. Internetworking requires multiple paradigms to be combined in order to provide services in a wide range of scenarios. The new MadQCI aims to be a complex quantum network that, in itself, demonstrates that quantum internet-working is possible with multi-vendor, multi-tenant and multi-technology capabilities, prepared for realistic scenarios demanded by industrial and institutional actors. In addition, it seeks to be a future-proof infrastructure, implementing various generations and types of quantum technology, as well as new connectivities, both classical (such as synchrony signals) and prepared for the new quantum realities —e.g., beyond-QKD primitives, remote quantum metrology or quantum entanglement distribution architectures.

International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks•Jul 6, 2025•3 citations

The Madrid Quantum Network: A Quantum-Classical Integrated Infrastructure

Vicente Martín, Alejandro Aguado, Pedro J. Salas +13 more

We report on the Madrid Quantum Network, designed to demonstrate that a telecommunications network can also host quantum communications in a unified, logical and physical infrastructure. Using new Quantum Key Distribution systems paired with modern networking paradigms, we demonstrate a high technology readiness level of QKD installing the network in production facilities and running relevant use cases.

OSA Advanced Photonics Congress•Jan 1, 2019•17 citations

Quantum internet

Joseph Burr, Abhishek Parakh, Mahadevan Subramaniam

While quantum computing faces many implementation challenges, practical quantum communication technologies exist today. This means quantum networking services such as quantum key distribution (QKD) can already be utilized. Adoption of quantum technologies into existing infrastructure will likely evolve into fully-fledged quantum networks that grow in tandem with advances in quantum computing. This article describes the unique challenges, evolving stakeholders, and possible architectural components of the coming quantum internet.

Ubiquity•Aug 1, 2022•8 citations

Madrid Quantum Communication Infrastructure: a testbed for assessing QKD technologies into real production networks

Diego R. Lopez, Juan P. Brito, Antonio Pastor +4 more

We report on the Madrid Quantum Communication Infrastructure, which demonstrates that a telecommunications network can also host quantum communications in a unified, logical and physical infrastructure. Using new Quantum Key Distribution systems paired with modern networking paradigms, we demonstrate a high technology readiness level of QKD installing the network in production facilities and running relevant use cases.

Optical Fiber Communication Conference•Jan 1, 2021•14 citations
Telecommunication networks must embrace new cutting-edge functions, which are to be added to the diverse set of functions already existing. When conceived, network architectures are often reduced to narrow sets of components, planes or layers. This applies to both traditional descriptions —e.g., OSI layers— and novel ones. For quantum networks, the current academic and standardized descriptions tend to include only QKD-specific components. This paper proposes a holistic view of quantum networks that exploits the combined capabilities of traditional networks with state-of-the-art technologies, to enable new modes of communication.
As a promising quantum application, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology has been rapidly developed from point-to-point communication to a large-scale commercial network. However, considering the cost of QKD components and network infrastructure, building a QKD network is challenged by its expensive capital expenditure, which significantly hinders its future popularization. In this article, we envision an evolution roadmap consisting of three stages for the future development of QKD networks, aiming at achieving a fully integrated network architecture that combines QKD and telecommunications networks. Powered by several critical technologies, such as link multiplexing, miniaturized QKD, and transmission optimization, QKD is foreseen to be integrated into telecommunications networks as an add-on module that can be flexibly deployed. After that, we introduce the integrated network architecture design in detail, and respectively provide four QKD-related function implementations. At last, key technologies that should be concerned and further investigated are also discussed with performance evaluation, which can provide theoretical guidance for both industries and academia. Based on the proposed roadmap and integrated architecture, we believe a scalable, easy-to-use, and affordable QKD service can be brought to current telecommunication networks, and extensively applied by ordinary people while using daily applications.
This paper reports the network operator point of view about the introduction of quantum key distribution (QKD) in optical networks to secure the data plane and/or specific applications, focusing on the design aspects that go beyond pure transmission. The functional architecture of a quantum key distribution network is depicted focusing on the integration in the existing telecommunications infrastructure. Some use cases of the utilization of the QKD layer, presenting results from in-field demonstrations, are reported together with a technology agnostic numerical model about resource sharing in a metropolitan area network environment.
The new quantum communication networks excel in size and power nowadays. Quantum communication infrastructures are set to become a quantum proto-internet with worldwide reach. However, usually technical and technological approximations are homogeneous and difficult to transfer to the real world. Internetworking requires multiple paradigms to be combined in order to provide services in a wide range of scenarios. The new MadQCI aims to be a complex quantum network that, in itself, demonstrates that quantum internet-working is possible with multi-vendor, multi-tenant and multi-technology capabilities, prepared for realistic scenarios demanded by industrial and institutional actors. In addition, it seeks to be a future-proof infrastructure, implementing various generations and types of quantum technology, as well as new connectivities, both classical (such as synchrony signals) and prepared for the new quantum realities —e.g., beyond-QKD primitives, remote quantum metrology or quantum entanglement distribution architectures.
While quantum computing faces many implementation challenges, practical quantum communication technologies exist today. This means quantum networking services such as quantum key distribution (QKD) can already be utilized. Adoption of quantum technologies into existing infrastructure will likely evolve into fully-fledged quantum networks that grow in tandem with advances in quantum computing. This article describes the unique challenges, evolving stakeholders, and possible architectural components of the coming quantum internet.