Quantum Internet: Technologies, Protocols, and Research Challenges

TL;DR

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the quantum internet, covering its core components, challenges, and future research directions to guide researchers and industry professionals.

Contribution

It systematically introduces the quantum internet, clarifies its relationship with quantum computing, and discusses fundamental concepts, challenges, and future prospects.

Findings

Identifies key components and challenges of quantum internet

Outlines anticipated timeline for quantum internet viability

Provides foundational quantum mechanics concepts for understanding the technology

Abstract

As the field of the quantum internet advances, a comprehensive guide to navigate its complexities has become increasingly crucial. While quantum computing shares foundational principles with the quantum internet, distinguishing between the two is essential for further development and deeper understanding. This work systematically introduces the quantum internet by discussing its importance, core components, operational mechanisms, anticipated timeline for viability, key contributors, major challenges, and future directions. Additionally, it presents the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics that underpin the technology, offering a clear and targeted overview intended for researchers and industry professionals and laying the groundwork for future innovations and research in the field.