Future Quantum Communications and Networking: A Review and Vision

Based on quantum mechanics, quantum communications have clock synchronization properties and unbreakable security. Recently, related technologies of quantum communications have made breakthroughs one after another, and it has also realized functions and applications that are difficult to achieve in traditional networks. In this era of the rise of quantum networks similar to the eve of the birth of the classical Internet “Arpanet,” researchers are full of longing for the blueprint of the future quantum network. In this work, we summarize, analyze and look forward to quantum communications and networking compared with the traditional Internet. Specifically, the related fundamentals, related technological developments, and existing challenges of quantum networks are firstly analyzed. On this basis, we look ahead and propose a prototype of the future quantum network architectures. Finally, we sort out and analyze the paradigm, principle, and properties of quantum communications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review and vision work on quantum communications and networking.