Simulation of entanglement based quantum networks for performance characterization
arXiv:2501.03210 · doi:10.1016/j.comnet.2026.112249
Abstract
Entanglement-based networks (EBNs) enable general-purpose quantum communication by combining entanglement and its swapping in a sequence that addresses the challenges of achieving long distance communication with high fidelity associated with quantum technologies. In this context, entanglement distribution refers to the process by which two nodes in a quantum network share an entangled state, serving as a fundamental resource for communication. In this paper, we study the performance of entanglement distribution mechanisms over a physical topology comprising end nodes and quantum switches, which are crucial for constructing large-scale links. To this end, we implemented a switch-based topology in NetSquid and conducted a series of simulation experiments to gain insight into practical and realistic quantum network engineering challenges. These challenges include, on the one hand, aspects related to quantum technology, such as memory technology, gate durations, and noise; and, on the other hand, factors associated with the distribution process, such as the number of switches, distances, purification, and error correction. All these factors significantly impact the end-to-end fidelity across a path, which supports communication between two quantum nodes. We use these experiments to derive some guidelines towards the design and configuration of future EBNs.
References in corpus (20)
- The Quantum Internet
- The Security of Practical Quantum Key Distribution
- Quantum privacy amplification and the security of quantum cryptography over noisy channels
- Quantum repeaters: From quantum networks to the quantum internet
- Silicon-Vacancy Spin Qubit in Diamond: A Quantum Memory Exceeding 10 ms with Single-Shot State Readout
- A Survey on Quantum Channel Capacities
- End-to-end capacities of a quantum communication network
- NetSquid, a NETwork Simulator for QUantum Information using Discrete events
- Ultrafast, all-optical coherent control of single silicon vacancy colour centres in diamond
- SeQUeNCe: A Customizable Discrete-Event Simulator of Quantum Networks
- Tools for quantum network design
- Opportunistic Entanglement Distribution for the Quantum Internet
- Analysis of Multipartite Entanglement Distribution using a Central Quantum-Network Node
- On the Stochastic Analysis of a Quantum Entanglement Switch
- Entanglement generation in a quantum network at distance-independent rate
- Multi-User Entanglement Distribution in Quantum Networks Using Multipath Routing
- On the Bipartite Entanglement Capacity of Quantum Networks
- Simulation of fidelity in entanglement-based networks with repeater chains
- A Linear Algebraic Framework for Dynamic Scheduling Over Memory-Equipped Quantum Networks
- Indirect Control of the Nuclear Spin in Diamond