[Paper Review] Quantum Communication Systems: Vision, Protocols, Applications, and Challenges

Syed Rakib Hasan, Mostafa Zaman Chowdhury+2 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Dec 27, 2022

Quantum Computing Algorithms and Architecture4 citations

TL;DR

This paper presents a comprehensive review of quantum communication systems, outlining their vision, core protocols, architectural design, and key applications in enhancing secure and high-performance communication. It proposes leveraging quantum bits (qubits) to surpass classical limits in performance and security, addressing challenges in integration and scalability for future technological infrastructure.

ABSTRACT

The growth of modern technological sectors have risen to such a spectacular level that the blessings of technology have spread to every corner of the world, even to remote corners. At present, technological development finds its basis in the theoretical foundation of classical physics in every field of scientific research, such as wireless communication, visible light communication, machine learning, and computing. The performance of the conventional communication systems is becoming almost saturated due to the usage of bits. The usage of quantum bits in communication technology has already surpassed the limits of existing technologies and revealed to us a new path in developing technological sectors. Implementation of quantum technology over existing system infrastructure not only provides better performance but also keeps the system secure and reliable. This technology is very promising for future communication systems. This review article describes the fundamentals of quantum communication, vision, design goals, information processing, and protocols. Besides, quantum communication architecture is also proposed here. This research included and explained the prospective applications of quantum technology over existing technological systems, along with the potential challenges of obtaining the goal.

Motivation & Objective

• To establish a foundational understanding of quantum communication systems and their potential to revolutionize existing communication technologies.
• To identify and analyze the key design goals and architectural components required for scalable quantum communication networks.
• To evaluate the integration of quantum technologies into classical infrastructure for improved performance and security.
• To highlight the most promising applications of quantum communication across sectors such as secure communications, computing, and machine learning.
• To systematically outline the technical, engineering, and theoretical challenges impeding the deployment of practical quantum communication systems.

Proposed method

• The paper conducts a systematic review of quantum communication fundamentals, including qubit-based information encoding and quantum state manipulation.
• It proposes a novel quantum communication architecture integrating quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum teleportation, and entanglement distribution protocols.
• The authors analyze existing protocols such as BB84 and E91 for quantum key distribution, emphasizing their security and implementation trade-offs.
• The study evaluates the feasibility of deploying quantum technologies over existing fiber-optic and free-space communication infrastructures.
• It incorporates system-level modeling and control theory principles (eeg. eess.SY) to assess stability and performance in real-world quantum networks.
• The paper uses a multidisciplinary lens, combining quantum physics (quant-ph), networking (cs.NI), and control systems (eess.SY) to assess holistic system design.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 How can quantum communication systems surpass the performance and security limits of classical communication systems?
• RQ2 What are the core architectural components and protocols necessary for scalable and reliable quantum communication networks?
• RQ3 In what ways can quantum technologies be effectively integrated into existing classical communication infrastructures?
• RQ4 What are the most viable applications of quantum communication in real-world technological systems?
• RQ5 What are the primary technical and systemic challenges that must be overcome to achieve practical quantum communication deployment?

Key findings

• Quantum communication systems based on qubits demonstrate superior performance and security compared to classical bit-based systems, particularly in key distribution and data integrity.
• Protocols such as BB84 and E91 provide theoretically unbreakable security through quantum mechanics, enabling long-term confidentiality in communication.
• Integration of quantum technologies into existing fiber-optic and free-space networks is feasible but requires significant advancements in error correction and photon detection.
• The proposed quantum communication architecture supports end-to-end quantum services, including entanglement distribution and quantum teleportation, enabling future quantum internet applications.
• Challenges such as decoherence, limited transmission range, and high implementation costs remain critical barriers to widespread deployment.
• System-level control and network management (eess.SY) are essential for maintaining stability and scalability in emerging quantum communication infrastructures.