Quantum networks with coherent routing of information through multiple nodes

TL;DR

This paper proposes a quantum routing model that enables simultaneous multi-path information transfer, extending transmission distances for both quantum and classical data, and highlighting potential benefits for future quantum internet infrastructure.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum network routing scheme that improves transmission distance and applies to both quantum and classical information, a novel approach in quantum communication.

Findings

Quantum routing can extend reliable transmission distances.

Delocalising classical data on multiple routes enhances classical communication range.

Quantum routing benefits apply to classical data transmission as well.

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.