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IEEE SoutheastCon

Optimizing Multi-Path Routing in Large-Scale Quantum Networks Using Quantum Annealing

Parker Jones, Vini Chaudhary

Published Feb 20, 2026• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This paper evaluates quantum annealing as a potential method for solving multi-path routing in large-scale quantum communication networks. The routing problem was formulated as a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) problem that minimizes negative throughput while satisfying quantum network constraints. The experimental framework tests four solution approaches on randomly generated networks: (1) the classical quantum fidelity rate maximizing (Q-FiRM) algorithm, (2) classical simulated annealing, (3) D-Wave hybrid solver, and (4) pure quantum annealing on D-Wave Advantage2 hardware. Results show that while quantum annealers produce feasible solutions, the classical Q-FiRM algorithm achieves superior throughput and faster computation times for this problem class. Among QUBO approaches, hybrid solvers demonstrate computational advantages over pure classical simulated annealing while maintaining comparable solution quality. These findings provide practical insight into the current capabilities and limitations of quantum optimization for quantum internet infrastructure design.

DOI
10.1109/southeastcon63549.2026.11476621

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