Simultaneous Classical and Quantum Communications: Recent Progress and Three Challenges

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent progress in integrating classical and quantum communications within next-generation wireless networks, highlighting novel protocols, frequency extensions, and open challenges for practical deployment.

Contribution

It proposes new protocols for simultaneous classical and quantum communication using a single transceiver and explores extending quantum capabilities into terahertz and microwave frequencies.

Findings

Successful experimental demonstrations of quantum communication integration

Proposed protocols enable joint modulation of classical and quantum info

Identified key challenges for practical implementation

Abstract

A critical aspect of next-generation wireless networks is the integration of quantum communications to guard against quantum computing threats to classical networks. Despite successful experimental demonstrations, integrating quantum communications into the classical infrastructure faces substantial challenges, including high costs, compatibility issues, and extra hardware deployment to accommodate both classical and quantum communication equipment. To mitigate these challenges, we explore novel protocols that enable simultaneous classical and quantum communications, relying on a single set of transceivers to jointly modulate and decode classical and quantum information onto the same signal. Additionally, we emphasize extending quantum communication capabilities beyond traditional optical bands into the terahertz, even possibly to millimeter-wave and microwave frequencies, thereby broadening the potential horizon of quantum-secure applications. Finally, we identify open problems that must be addressed to facilitate practical implementation.