Quantum Annealing for Combinatorial Optimization in Large-Scale Network Routing
Jincheng Zhang
Abstract
This paper investigates the application of quantum annealing to address the challenges of combinatorial optimization within large-scale network routing. Traditional classical algorithms frequently encounter significant computational bottlenecks when attempting to determine optimal routes across complex networks, often failing to scale effectively with increasing network size and complexity. Quantum annealing offers a potentially transformative approach by leveraging quantum mechanical effects to explore solution spaces more efficiently. This work outlines a methodology for mapping network routing problems – characterized by a vast number of possible routes – onto the quantum annealing hardware. We present a model for representing the problem, formulating it as an Ising model, and then detail the annealing process. The core claim is that quantum annealing can provide a viable solution for optimizing network routes, particularly in scenarios where classical methods are computationally intractable. We explore the underlying principles of quantum annealing, focusing on its ability to escape local minima and achieve a lower energy state, representing the optimal solution. The research aims to demonstrate the feasibility and potential advantages of employing quantum annealing in practical network routing applications, paving the way for more efficient and robust network designs.