Towards A Global Quantum Internet: A Review of Challenges Facing Aerial Quantum Networks

TL;DR

This paper reviews the challenges and solutions for developing aerial quantum networks, which are essential for scaling secure quantum communication through drones, balloons, and satellites towards a practical global quantum internet.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the technical challenges and potential solutions for integrating aerial quantum links into a seamless quantum internet infrastructure.

Findings

Aerial quantum links face significant technical challenges.

Combining ground, aerial, and satellite links can enable scalable quantum networks.

Overcoming these challenges is crucial for realizing a practical quantum internet.

Abstract

Quantum networks use principles of quantum physics to create secure communication networks. Moving these networks off the ground using drones, balloons, or satellites could help increase the scalability of these networks. This article reviews how such aerial links work, what makes them difficult to build, and the possible solutions that can be used to overcome these problems. By combining ground stations, aerial relays, and orbiting satellites into one seamless system, we move closer to a practical quantum internet.