Quantum Network Simulations

Network simulations are extensively used in the design, operation, and evolution of large-scale classical networks. We expect that simulations will also play a significant role in developing and evolving quantum networks. Our work focuses on developing quantum network simulators at various network layers ranging from the physical layer to applications. We envision the need for three simulators. The lowest-layer simulator allows us to study the physics of optical networks; an intermediate-layer simulator studies quantum networking protocols and the classical control network; and the highest-layer one simulates behavior of distributed quantum systems. The lowest-layer simulator uses Monte Carlo methods to evaluate the effects of Pauli errors and investigate the effectiveness of entanglement purification or error correction in the presence of realistic noise. The intermediate-layer simulator uses traditional techniques such as discrete event simulation to investigate scalability of network topologies and ability to communicate between arbitrary pairs of network nodes. Finally, the highest-layer simulator emulates both quantum computing and quantum networking by using HPC. It can be used for testing and developing new distributed quantum algorithms and applications.