Design and Implementation of the Illinois Express Quantum Metropolitan Area Network

Abstract

The Illinois Express Quantum Network (IEQNET) is a program to realize metropolitan scale quantum networking over deployed optical fiber using currently available technology. IEQNET consists of multiple sites that are geographically dispersed in the Chicago metropolitan area. Each site has one or more quantum nodes (Q-nodes) representing the communication parties in a quantum network. Q-nodes generate or measure quantum signals such as entangled photons and communicate the measurement results via standard, classical signals and conventional networking processes. The entangled photons in IEQNET nodes are generated at multiple wavelengths, and are selectively distributed to the desired users via transparent optical switches. Here we describe the network architecture of IEQNET, including the Internet-inspired layered hierarchy that leverages software-defined networking (SDN) technology to perform traditional wavelength routing and assignment between the Q-nodes. Specifically, SDN decouples the control and data planes, with the control plane being entirely implemented in the classical domain. We also discuss the IEQNET processes that address issues associated with synchronization, calibration, network monitoring, and scheduling. An important goal of IEQNET is to demonstrate the extent to which the control plane classical signals can co-propagate with the data plane quantum signals in the same fiber lines (quantum-classical signal "coexistence"). This goal is furthered by the use of tunable narrow-band optical filtering at the receivers and, at least in some cases, a wide wavelength separation between the quantum and classical channels. We envision IEQNET to aid in developing robust and practical quantum networks by demonstrating metro-scale quantum communication tasks such as entanglement distribution and quantum-state teleportation.

20 pages, 11 figures. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:2111.10256

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• Unveiling the Importance of Nonshortest Paths in Quantum Networks
• Quantum Internet: Technologies, Protocols, and Research Challenges
• Hong-Ou-Mandel Interference with a Coexisting Clock using Transceivers for Synchronization over Deployed Fiber
• Inferring Quantum Network Topology using Local Measurements
• Entanglement distribution quantum networking within deployed telecommunications fibre-optic infrastructure
• Resilient Entanglement Distribution in a Multihop Quantum Network
• Non-local polarization alignment and control in fiber using feedback from correlated measurements of entangled photons
• A Review of Software for Designing and Operating Quantum Networks
• Heralded optical entanglement distribution via lossy quantum channels: A comparative study
• Hybrid classical-quantum communication networks