Quantum Walk-Based Routing Protocols for Networks

Jincheng Zhang

Published Sep 5, 2026• 0 citations

Abstract

This paper investigates the application of quantum walks to the design of routing protocols for computer networks. Traditional routing algorithms, reliant on classical probability and exhaustive search, often suffer from inefficiencies and vulnerabilities, particularly in large and complex network topologies. Quantum walks, leveraging the principles of superposition and interference, offer a fundamentally different approach. This research proposes a framework for encoding network topologies within a quantum walk environment and utilizing the walk's inherent properties to explore the network and identify optimal paths. The core of the approach lies in mapping network nodes to quantum bits (Qubits) and utilizing the walk's probabilistic nature to simulate path exploration. We explore key aspects of this approach, including walk initialization, boundary conditions, and measurement strategies. The potential benefits of this method, such as reduced latency, improved bandwidth utilization, and enhanced resilience to network disruptions, are discussed. We present a theoretical model for the routing protocol and analyze its performance characteristics, focusing on metrics like path length, traversal time, and success rate. While this work is primarily a theoretical exploration, it lays a foundation for future research and development of practical quantum routing solutions.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22319256

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