Simulators for Quantum Network Modelling: A Comprehensive Review

TL;DR

This paper reviews current quantum network simulators, emphasizing the need for standardized validation techniques to improve their accuracy and reliability in modeling quantum communication systems.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of existing quantum network simulation toolkits and discusses the importance of validation methods for reliable performance assessment.

Findings

Identifies key quantum network simulators used in research.

Highlights the lack of reliable validation methods in current models.

Suggests standardized techniques for improving simulator accuracy.

Abstract

Quantum network research, is exploring new networking protocols, physics-based hardware and novel experiments to demonstrate how quantum distribution will work over large distances. Current work explores much of these concepts in simulations, that are developed to understand how quantum networking will be set up and researchers can experiment virtually. Exposing flaws in network designs, like unsustainable topologies, or develop protocols that efficiently utilize network resources, simulators can also help assess whether workloads are balanced across virtual machines in the network. However, much of these simulation models come without reliable verification methods, for testing performance in real deployments. In this paper, we present a review of, to the best of our knowledge, currently used toolkits for modeling quantum networks. With these toolkits and standardized validation techniques, we can lay down the foundations for more accurate and reliable quantum network simulators.