Quantum networks with coherent routing of information through multiple nodes

Abstract Large-scale communication networks, such as the Internet, rely on routing packets of data through multiple intermediate nodes to transmit information from a sender to a receiver. In this paper, we develop a model of a quantum communication network that routes information simultaneously alon...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hlér Kristjánsson, Yan Zhong, Anthony Munson, Giulio Chiribella
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2024-12-01
Series:npj Quantum Information
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41534-024-00919-5
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Summary:Abstract Large-scale communication networks, such as the Internet, rely on routing packets of data through multiple intermediate nodes to transmit information from a sender to a receiver. In this paper, we develop a model of a quantum communication network that routes information simultaneously along multiple paths passing through intermediate stations. We demonstrate that a quantum routing approach can in principle extend the distance over which information can be transmitted reliably. Surprisingly, the benefit of quantum routing also applies to the transmission of classical information: even if the transmitted data is purely classical, delocalising it on multiple routes can enhance the achievable transmission distance. Our findings highlight the potential of a future quantum internet not only for achieving secure quantum communication and distributed quantum computing but also for extending the range of classical data transmission.
ISSN:2056-6387