On Global Quantum Communication Networking

• Published in: Entropy (Basel, Switzerland) Vol. 22; no. 8; p. 831
• Main Author: Djordjevic, Ivan B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 29.07.2020; MDPI
• Subjects: Algorithms; Communication; Continuity (mathematics); continuous variable (CV)-QKD; Cryptography; Cybersecurity; discrete variable (DV)-QKD; Error correction & detection; Ground stations; Internet of Things; Low earth orbit satellites; Low earth orbits; Optical communication; postquantum cryptography (PQC); quantum communications networks (QCNs); Quantum computing; Quantum cryptography; quantum key distribution (QKD); Security systems; Virtual private networks; Wireless networks; quantum communications networks (QCNs); postquantum cryptography (PQC); continuous variable (CV)-QKD; discrete variable (DV)-QKD; quantum key distribution (QKD)
• ISSN: 1099-4300; 1099-4300
• DOI: 10.3390/E22080831

Research in quantum communications networks (QCNs), where multiple users desire to generate or transmit common quantum-secured information, is still in its beginning stage. To solve for the problems of both discrete variable- and continuous variable-quantum key distribution (QKD) schemes in a simultaneous manner as well as to enable the next generation of quantum communication networking, in this Special Issue paper we describe a scenario where disconnected terrestrial QCNs are coupled through low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite quantum network forming heterogeneous satellite-terrestrial QCN. The proposed heterogeneous QCN is based on the cluster state approach and can be used for numerous applications, including: (i) to teleport arbitrary quantum states between any two nodes in the QCN; (ii) to enable the next generation of cyber security systems; (iii) to enable distributed quantum computing; and (iv) to enable the next generation of quantum sensing networks. The proposed QCNs will be robust against various channel impairments over heterogeneous links. Moreover, the proposed QCNs will provide an unprecedented security level for 5G+/6G wireless networks, Internet of Things (IoT), optical networks, and autonomous vehicles, to mention a few.