International Conference on Quantum Communications, Networking, and Computing (QCNC 2026)

April 6-8, 2026 · Kobe, Japan.

http://www.ieee-qcnc.org/2026

Track 4: Quantum Simulations, Prototypes, Testbeds and Applications

Track Chairs:
Alexander Pirker, Quantum Network Design GmbH, Austria
Joaquin Chung, Argonne National Laboratory, USA

Description

Quantum networks are hybrid systems consisting of a multitude of quantum as well as classical components that leverage quantum communications to serve high level applications. Due to their innate complexity, analysis of quantum networks is far beyond the reach of an analytic approach. In order to evaluate the feasibility, performance, stability, and reliability of quantum networks, one approach is to resort to simulation. However, it is equally important to validate our assumptions with experiments and demonstrations on prototypical systems and testbeds. Finally, applications (e.g., distributed quantum computing/sending and conference key agreement but also sensing or clock synchronization) would deeply influence the design and implementation of quantum networks.

Track Topics

• Development, design and extension of quantum network simulators
• Design, implementation and evaluation of prototype quantum network devices and testbed
• Simulations of the physical layer of quantum networks, including hardware components and their manipulation, etc.
• Simulations or demonstrations of the link layer of (first-generation) quantum networks, including entanglement generation, swapping, and purification protocols
• Simulations of routing protocols in quantum networks
• Simulation of quantum error correction in quantum networking
• Simulation or demonstration of applications of quantum networks, including quantum key distribution, distributed quantum computing, distributed quantum sensing, conference key agreement, clock synchronization, secret sharing, etc.
• Simulation or demonstration of dynamic and multi-user quantum networks
• Prototypes of the classical control plane of near-term quantum networks
• Demonstration of small-scale applications on quantum network testbeds
• Numerical simulation techniques that aid quantum network simulators

Paper Submission and Publication

Details of paper submission and publication can be found here.