Advancing the Quantum Internet and the Evolution of Network Technology

Fabio Cavaliere, Rana Pratap Sircar, Tommaso Catuogno

Diego R. Lopez, Blanca Lopez, Vicente Martín

While quantum communications technology evolves, the promise of a Quantum Internet becomes closer and different proposals to build it have been already proposed, addressing different aspects of what such a global network would imply. We believe a consistent reference architecture model for the Quantum Internet is required to progress in its evolution, addressing the different dimensions such a network has to consider, including the interaction with the "classical" Internet. Such a reference architecture would provide a framework for the integration of the protocols applicable to it, and enable the advance of the applications based on it. As a reference model, it should allow the proposition and analysis of different approaches and solutions, providing a framework to reason about these solutions and their interplay to achieve a global Quantum-enabled open network.Such a model has to satisfy three essential requirements: agility, enabling it to adapt to the evolution of quantum communications base technologies, sustainability, with open availability in technological and economical terms, and pliability, being able to integrate with the operations and management procedures in current networks. This paper describes the reference architecture framework currently being discussed in the QIRG (Quantum Internet Research Group) of IRTF, and intended to provide a conceptual common framework for the integration of the different technology proposals to build the Quantum Internet infrastructure and its convergence with the current Internet. The framework is based on the already extensive experience in the deployment and operation of QKD infrastructures and on recent initiatives focused on the integration of networks and services.

Munir Hasan Nayfeh, Ammar M. Nayfeh

Attila Balázs Nagy, Beatrix Fregán, Zoltán Rajnai

As quantum computers advance rapidly, traditional encryption methods are becoming vulnerable, making it essential to explore fundamentally new communication technologies such as the quantum internet. The quantum internet is a revolutionary technology that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to transmit data securely and quickly. Unlike classical networks, quantum networks use quantum entanglement and quantum key sharing (QKD), thus providing a higher level of security against future cyber threats. This article presents the technological foundations of the quantum internet, the architecture of quantum networks, and the infrastructure challenges, including quantum repeaters and network scaling. We also discuss industrial applications of the quantum internet, with a focus on the financial, government, and healthcare sectors. The quantum internet is still under development, but it is expected to become a new standard for communication in the coming decades. The study highlights the technological readiness and practical potential of the quantum internet, pointing to a secure and scalable future in communication networks.

Sonai Biswas, Andrea Garbugli, Luca Foschini +2 more

In the field of Internet service evolution, classical and quantum paradigms are often seen as distinct and separate research areas. Typically, the classical Internet is perceived as a foundational communications infrastructure for the emerging quantum Internet, mainly providing essential services such as synchronization, signaling, control, and feedback. Current quantum Internet research requires a radical transformation of physical layer devices, often leading to the obsolescence of existing classical infrastructures. To address this challenge, in this work we introduce a new hybrid approach for the future development of the quantum Internet. Specifically, we will delve into various mechanisms and technologies that facilitate the integration of quantum networks with future 6G networks. Our goal is to develop a complete model for a hybrid quantum-classical Internet designed for future generation 6G in order to jointly and efficiently support both quantum and classical communications. In particular, we explore an innovative hybrid datalink layer architecture that is critical for effectively managing the diverse nature of quantum and classical data traffic and security. The main advantage of our model lies in the integration of new quantum hardware at the physical layer while leveraging existing advanced classical infrastructure. Our model is proposed as a step forward in the harmonization of quantum and classical Internet technologies, paving the way for a secure and fast future 6G architecture.

Stephen Battersby