The Computational and Latency Advantage of Quantum Communication Networks

TL;DR

This paper discusses how quantum communication networks can surpass classical networks in reducing latency and communication complexity, enabling enhanced distributed computing and addressing key research challenges.

Contribution

It highlights the potential of quantum networks to improve in-network computing and latency, extending beyond traditional security applications.

Findings

Quantum networks can reduce end-to-end latency.

Entanglement decreases communication overhead.

Quantum technologies enable new network capabilities.

Abstract

This article summarises the current status of classical communication networks and identifies some critical open research challenges that can only be solved by leveraging quantum technologies. By now, the main goal of quantum communication networks has been security. However, quantum networks can do more than just exchange secure keys or serve the needs of quantum computers. In fact, the scientific community is still investigating on the possible use cases/benefits that quantum communication networks can bring. Thus, this article aims at pointing out and clearly describing how quantum communication networks can enhance in-network distributed computing and reduce the overall end-to-end latency, beyond the intrinsic limits of classical technologies. Furthermore, we also explain how entanglement can reduce the communication complexity (overhead) that future classical virtualised networks will experience.