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Journal of Network and Computer Applications

Routing protocols for quantum communication networks: Taxonomy, design, and open challenges

Binayak Kar, Pankaj Kumar

Published Jul 24, 2026• 0 citations
Publisher
DOI
10.1016/j.jnca.2026.104557

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The efficacy of a communication network hinges upon both its physical architecture and the protocols that are employed within it. In the context of quantum communications, there exists a fundamental rate-loss trade-off for point-to-point quantum channels such that the rate for distributing entanglement, secret keys, or quantum states decays exponentially with respect to transmission distance. Quantum networks are the solution to overcome point-to-point limitations, but they simultaneously invite a challenging open question: How should quantum networks be designed to effectively and efficiently guarantee high rates? Now that performance and physical topology are inexorably linked, this question is not easy, but the answer is essential for a future quantum internet to be successful. In this work, we offer crucial insight into this open question for complex optical-fiber quantum networks. Using realistic descriptions of quantum networks via random network models and practical end-to-end routing protocols, we reveal critical phenomena associated with large-scale quantum networks. Our work reveals the weaknesses of applying single-path routing protocols within quantum networks, observing an inability to achieve reliable rates over long distances. Adapting algorithms for multipath routing, we employ an efficient and practical multipath routing algorithm capable of boosting performance while minimizing costly quantum resources.
Over the past 50 years, conventional network routing design has undergone substantial growth, evolving from small networks with static nodes to large systems connecting billions of devices. This progress has been achieved through the separation of concerns principle, which entails integrating network functionalities into a graph or random network design and employing specific network protocols to facilitate diverse communication capabilities. This paper aims to highlight the potential of designing routing techniques for quantum networks, which exhibit unique properties due to quantum mechanics. Quantum routing design requires a substantial deviation from conventional network design protocols since it must account for the unique features of quantum entanglement and information. However, implementing these techniques poses significant challenges, such as decoherence and noise in quantum systems, restricted communication ranges, and highly specialized hardware prerequisites. The paper commences by examining essential research on quantum routing design methods and proceeds to cover fundamental aspects of quantum routing, associated quantum operations, and the steps necessary for building efficient and robust quantum networks. This paper summarizes the present state of quantum routing techniques, including their principles, protocols, and challenges, highlighting potential applications and future directions.
Over the course of the last five decades, there has been substantial growth in conventional network routing design, transitioning from small static node networks to vast systems connecting billions of devices. This evolution has been facilitated by the separation of concerns principle, which involves integrating network functionalities into graph or random network designs and utilizing specific protocols to enable diverse communication capabilities. The landscape of quantum networks is rapidly evolving, presenting new paradigms in information transmission and processing. Routing protocols play a pivotal role in establishing efficient communication pathways within quantum networks, enabling the transmission of quantum states and entanglement across interconnected nodes. The objective of this paper is to shed light on existing entanglement routing design techniques within quantum networks. The design of quantum entanglement routing necessitates a departure from conventional network protocols due to its unique considerations of quantum entanglement and entanglement swapping. However, the implementation of these techniques is fraught with significant challenges, including quantum system decoherence and noise, limitations on communication ranges, and the need for specialized hardware. The paper initiates by surveying critical research in quantum routing design techniques, then delves into essential aspects of the routing concept, associated quantum operations, and the step-wise process for establishing efficient and resilient quantum networks. In summary, this paper provides an overview of the current landscape of quantum entanglement routing techniques. It outlines their core principles, protocols, and challenges, while also highlighting potential applications and charting future directions for research and development.