The significant rise in wireless communication, driven by sixth-generation (6G) networks, underscores the urgent need for innovative resource allocation methods to achieve efficiency, scalability, and reliability. This survey explores the integration of Quantum Deep Reinforcement Learning (QDRL) as a strategy to address the challenges posed by dynamic and complex wireless environments. By leveraging quantum computing features such as superposition and entanglement, QDRL enhances computational efficiency and mitigates the scalability limitations of classical and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) in high-dimensional optimization. The study reviews recent QDRL approaches for key resource allocation tasks, including power distribution, user scheduling, and channel assignment, and examines quantum algorithms such as the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) and Quantum Neural Networks (QNN) for improved decision-making in wireless systems. Furthermore, it emphasizes the connection between quantum computing and DRL, highlighting hybrid architectures that balance computational cost, energy efficiency, and scalability. Finally, the survey identifies research gaps and outlines future directions, paving the way for robust QDRL strategies to support next-generation wireless networks.
The significant rise in wireless communication, driven by sixth-generation (6G) networks, underscores the urgent need for innovative resource allocation methods to achieve efficiency, scalability, and reliability. This survey explores the integration of Quantum Deep Reinforcement Learning (QDRL) as a strategy to address the challenges posed by dynamic and complex wireless environments. By leveraging quantum computing features such as superposition and entanglement, QDRL enhances computational efficiency and mitigates the scalability limitations of classical and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) in high-dimensional optimization. The study reviews recent QDRL approaches for key resource allocation tasks, including power distribution, user scheduling, and channel assignment, and examines quantum algorithms such as the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) and Quantum Neural Networks (QNN) for improved decision-making in wireless systems. Furthermore, it emphasizes the connection between quantum computing and DRL, highlighting hybrid architectures that balance computational cost, energy efficiency, and scalability. Finally, the survey identifies research gaps and outlines future directions, paving the way for robust QDRL strategies to support next-generation wireless networks.
Abstract: Quantum deep reinforcement learning is an integration of the principles of quantum computing with deep reinforcement learning in an effort to advance robot navigation tasks. Due to the explosion of the state and action spaces, traditionally DRL methods are limited in scalability and efficiency. QDRL, however, uses quantum superposition and entanglement for more efficient processing of big amounts of information-it enables robots to learn optimal policies for navigating complex environments. We introduce here a new QDRL framework in which quantum neural networks encode policy functions and value estimates. We demonstrate how quantum circuits can take advantage of multi-dimensional state representations in order to strengthen the power of a robot in changing its environment over time. Benchmark experiments on navigation tasks reflect phenomenal acceleration in learning performance along with better decision-making accuracy compared to classical DRL methods. We then consider integrating such quantum algorithms, as Grover's search, to improve exploration strategies in sparse reward settings. The experiments show that QDRL speeds up convergence rates and provides robots with the possibility to react more rapidly to unexpected obstacles. It discusses new applications for quantum computing of autonomous systems, potentially applied to robotics, autonomous vehicles, and other environments which require complex decision making. Some lines of work in the future are optimization of the resources needed for quantum computers and hybrid architectures for the resolution of classical problems in navigation
The increasing demands for ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), high-capacity, connectivity, and mobility in next-generation wireless networks have driven the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as flexible and adaptive communication nodes. UAV-assisted networks offer enhanced coverage, dynamic deployment, and cost-effective infrastructure for the sixth generation (6G) and beyond. However, optimizing UAV trajectory planning, resource allocation, and interference management is particularly challenging, especially in dynamic and large-scale environments. Classical reinforcement learning (RL) techniques, while effective in adaptive optimization, suffer from computational inefficiencies and slow convergence in high-dimensional state-action spaces. To address these constraints, quantum reinforcement learning (QRL) emerges as a novel paradigm that leverages quantum computing principles, such as superposition and entanglement, to enhance decision-making efficiency. This study provides a comprehensive overview of QRL algorithms and investigates their transformative potential in UAV-assisted wireless communication networks. We analyze UAV deployment strategies, network architectures, and topologies, highlighting their advantages as well as inherent challenges. Furthermore, we examine the limitations of classical RL algorithms and assess how QRL overcomes them while improving computational efficiency and exploration capabilities. In addition, we present a detailed review of existing QRL algorithms applicable to next-generation UAV-enhanced wireless networks, identifying key challenges that must be addressed for practical deployment. Finally, we identify open research challenges and offer future directions for integrating QRL into UAV-assisted communication, paving the way for scalable, intelligent, and high-performance wireless systems.
This paper explores the application of Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) for optimizing quantum resource allocation in quantum computing. Traditional quantum resource allocation often relies on manual design and expert knowledge, which can be computationally expensive and limit scalability. We propose a novel framework utilizing DRL to automate this process, learning optimal strategies for allocating quantum resources (qubits, gates, and time) to maximize the performance of quantum algorithms. The core of our approach involves constructing a DRL model where the agent learns to make decisions regarding resource allocation based on the current state of the quantum system and the desired algorithm outcome. We define a state space representing the quantum system's configuration, action space encompassing various resource allocation options, and a reward function that reflects the algorithm's success. Through this framework, we aim to significantly enhance the efficiency and performance of quantum computations. This work presents a foundational approach, paving the way for more sophisticated DRL-based quantum resource allocation strategies.
Wireless communication systems face increasing challenges in resource allocation, latency reduction, scalability, and adaptation because modern networks generate high-dimensional, nonlinear, and rapidly changing data. This work presents a hybrid Quantum Neural Network (QNN)-driven framework for intelligent resource optimization in dynamic wireless communication environments. The proposed framework integrates variational quantum circuits with classical optimization techniques to support adaptive learning and efficient decision-making. A modular architecture consisting of User, Database, and Operator modules enables secure data acquisition, storage, preprocessing, continuous model training, and operator-driven optimization. Quantum Neural Networks are employed as the primary learning mechanism, while hybrid quantum-classical optimization supports stable parameter training. Quantum annealing is incorporated for complex tasks such as channel allocation, bandwidth management, and resource scheduling. The framework is designed to improve allocation accuracy, reduce latency, enhance scalability, reliability, security, and resource utilization. Continuous learning further enables adaptation to changing traffic patterns, user requirements, workloads, and network conditions. Keywords: Quantum Neural Network, Wireless Communication, Resource Optimization, Quantum Computing, Hybrid Quantum-Classical Learning, Resource Allocation.
The emergence of sixth-generation (6G) communication networks is expected to revolutionize wireless systems by enabling ultra-high data rates, ultra-low latency, and massive connectivity. Efficient resource management is a critical challenge due to the dynamic and heterogeneous nature of 6G environments. Traditional optimization techniques are insufficient to handle the complexity of such networks, leading to the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven approaches. This paper presents a comprehensive review of AI techniques for efficient resource management in 6G networks, focusing on hybrid quantum duplet-convolutional neural network (CNN) models. These models integrate quantum computing with classical deep learning to enhance computational efficiency and optimization capability. The study analyzes recent literature, covering deep learning, reinforcement learning, federated learning, and quantum machine learning approaches. A comparative analysis highlights the advantages of hybrid quantum-CNN models in terms of scalability, adaptability, and performance. The paper also discusses emerging trends such as AI-native network design, edge intelligence, and quantum-enhanced optimization. Furthermore, key challenges including computational complexity, energy consumption, and quantum hardware limitations are examined. The findings suggest that hybrid quantum deep learning models are promising for addressing resource management challenges in future 6G networks.
Quantum networks attract increasing attention due to their unique advantages over classical networks. However, the challenge of efficiently and economically constructing reliable wide-area quantum networks remains unresolved. This problem, termed network planning, is typically modeled as an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) problem. Existing solver-based solutions for classical networks face scalability issues, while heuristic approaches that sacrifice optimality for scalability heavily rely on human expertise and lack generalizability. Recently, deep reinforcement learning (DRL) has demonstrated potential in adaptive decision-making for classical network planning. However, quantum networks introduce unique constraints due to their end-to-end entanglement distribution requirements. To address this, we propose a two-stage quantum network resource allocation framework, QPLAN, that combines multi-agent DRL with traditional optimization solvers. Our approach uses a novel multi-agent reinforcement learning strategy using graph neural networks (GNNs) and transformers for traffic flow and corresponding hardware resource allocation to minimize hardware cost while cooperatively satisfying problem constraints as much as possible. The output of the DRL algorithm is then used as an initial input to prune the solution space, "warm-starting" the ILP solver and further improving the solution. This hybrid approach effectively reduces manual effort and enhances scalability. Experimental results show that our method yields near-optimal solutions with better scalability than only using ILP solvers.