Quantum-Enabled 6G Wireless Networks: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

With the increasing number of commercial 5G deployments, research on Beyond 5G (B5G) and 6G has started in earnest. Although it is too early to clearly identify what 6G systems will look like or how they will be designed, it is certain that 6G systems will support novel use cases with challenging Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which will be empowered by new enabling technologies and network architectures. In parallel with the evolution of cellular systems from 5G towards 6G, Quantum Information Technology (QIT) has been evolving rapidly in recent years in terms of quantum communications and quantum computing. It is envisioned that QIT will enable and boost future 6G systems from both communication and computing perspectives. For example, secure quantum communications such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) can be leveraged to improve 6G security. This paper aims to provide a technology-driven and visionary description and exploration on how QIT can be leveraged for future 6G wireless networks

MIMO Terahertz Quantum Key Distribution Under Restricted Eavesdropping

“…However, for the restricted eavesdropping case the SKR can be positive even for Ti > 0.5. This is because the information lost to Eve is reduced for κ < 1, as is evident from (14). For the restricted eavesdropping case, there exists a threshold κ max above which positive SKR cannot be achieved in DR.…”

“…In the recent years, quantum information technology (QIT) has also been rapidly evolving; this includes advances in quantum communications and quantum computing [10]- [13]. QIT is expected to play a key role in B5G/6G networks for enhanced security, privacy, and optimal wireless resource management [14], [15]. Recent works have investigated quan-tum communication technologies including quantum state discrimination [16], quantum enhanced modulation schemes [17], [18], quantum entanglement distribution [19]- [23], and quantum key distribution (QKD) [24].…”

Low Altitude Satellite Constellation for Futuristic Aerial-Ground Communications

“…Moreover, the author shows that a sun-synchronous satellite's QKD rate can surpass a terrestrial chain of perfect quantum repeaters in a simulation. Quantum communication will enable new applications such as ultra-secure communication and a new generation of high-performance computers in the future, thanks to the unique qualities of quantum entanglement [166][167][168].…”

6G Scenarios and Network Design Principles

“…• Extensive convergence: Converging processes of communication, control, sensing, computing, and imaging makes to deliver multiple services simultaneously. • Complete photonics: Elements such as array of antennas with photo detector, photonic engine, and spectrum computing are the key features of 6G which give an efficient energy utility [4][5][6][19][20][21][22].…”