IETF

A clearer framework for quantum network switching lowers the complexity barrier for smaller companies entering the quantum technology space. By harmonising terminology and defining core functions such as entanglement management, the project removes ambiguity that slows down development and increases costs. SMEs gain access to a shared reference point—state-of-the-art analysis, identified gaps, and actionable definitions—which helps them build interoperable solutions, align with emerging global standards, and participate in early-stage quantum markets with greater confidence and reduced risk.

A key challenge in building the Quantum Internet is integrating different qubit technologies, each with its own strengths and limitations, since no single qubit platform can fulfill all the requirements for storage, processing, and communication simultaneously. Indeed, both the scientific and industrial communities widely agree that the Quantum Internet will likely rely on superconducting qubits for information processing while flying qubits will be used to distribute entangled states across network nodes.
Indeed, on one hand, superconducting circuits are adopted for quantum computation because of their capabilities to realize fast gates and their high scalability. These benefits come at the price of operating at cryogenic temperatures, which in turn challenge the development of large-scale quantum networks. On the other hand, optical photons are recognized as quantum carriers to fulfill communication needs, as they enable high-rate, low-loss transmission and can be easily controlled using standard optical components. However, the main challenge underlining the interaction between these two technologies lies in the huge gap between their operating frequencies: optical photons work at hundreds of terahertz while superconducting circuits at a few GHz.
Therefore, it is mandatory to realize a matter-flying interface, namely a quantum transducer, performing quantum transduction to enable the interaction among different qubit platforms. This interface must convert one type of qubit to another and be compatible with the characteristics of the physical channels used for flying qubits, including optical fibers and free-space optical links.
In this project, we present quantum transduction from a communication perspective, by shedding the light on its fundamental role within quantum network design and deployment.

The contribution made within this fellowship adds value to the development of LoRa mesh network technology. SMEs may then feel more confident in adopting the technology.

Trusted execution environments (TEEs) allow deploying code and data in a separate, secure segment of computing platforms. Standardised security assessment and provisioning of configuration and personalisation information to Trusted execution environments (TEEs) can be a key contributor to more secure services and an enabler for new products and services.