Quantum Networking: Current Advances and Future Directions in Secure Communication
Monisha A1, Pradeep Nayak2, Nagashreesha3, Nagma Nayak4, Nikitha5
1Student, Department of Information Science and Engineering
Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, Moodbidri, Karnataka, India
2Assistant Professor, Department of Information Science and Engineering
Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, Moodbidri, Karnataka, India
3Student, Department of Information Science and Engineering
Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, Moodbidri, Karnataka, India
4Student, Department of Information Science and Engineering
Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, Moodbidri, Karnataka, India
5Student, Department of Information Science and Engineering
Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, Moodbidri, Karnataka, India
Abstract - Quantum networking represents one of the most transformative developments in modern secure communication. Unlike classical networks that rely on mathematical encryption, quantum networks exploit the physical properties of qubits—superposition, entanglement, and the no-cloning theorem—to establish communication channels that are inherently tamper-evident. As quantum technologies mature, applications such as quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum repeaters, quantum teleportation, quantum memory systems, and quantum internet protocols are gaining global traction.
This paper consolidates current progress in quantum networking technologies and provides an extended discussion of recent advancements in protocols, hardware components, integrated photonic systems, and machine-learning-enhanced architectures. Additionally, results synthesized from established literature, illustrate performance trends, security gains, and practical deployment challenges in quantum communication networks. The paper also outlines future directions toward scalable quantum internets, hybrid quantum-classical infrastructures, error-corrected qubit networks, satellite-based QKD, and intelligent routing systems. Overall, quantum networking is positioned to redefine the future of secure data transfer, distributed computing, and global communication infrastructures.
Key Words: Quantum networking, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Entanglement Distribution, Integrated Photonic Chips, Machine Learning (ML)
