Five-Layer Architecture
Layer 1
Physical Layer
The foundation layer integrates quantum hardware with conventional network infrastructure:
- Entanglement generation and management over fiber optic channels
- Quantum state preparation and measurement
- Error correction at the physical level
- Integration with existing fiber optic infrastructure
Layer 2
Link Layer
The link layer handles point-to-point quantum communications:
- Entanglement purification and distillation
- Quantum error detection and correction protocols
- Teleportation protocols between adjacent nodes
- Quantum state synchronization
# Teleportation Protocol at Link Layer
def teleport_state(quantum_state, entangled_pair):
# Perform Bell measurement on quantum_state and first particle of entangled_pair
bell_measurement_result = measure_bell_state(quantum_state, entangled_pair[0])
# Classical communication of measurement result
send_classical_message(bell_measurement_result)
# Apply correction based on measurement result
apply_correction(entangled_pair[1], bell_measurement_result)
# Return second entangled particle, now in the original quantum state
return entangled_pair[1]
Layer 3
Network Layer
The network layer handles end-to-end quantum data transmission:
- Entanglement swapping for long-distance connections
- Quantum state routing and path selection
- Quantum repeater coordination
- Network topology management
Layer 4
Transport Layer
The transport layer provides reliable quantum data delivery:
- Quantum connection establishment and termination
- Fidelity monitoring and management
- Quantum flow control
- Hybrid quantum-classical transport protocols
Layer 5
Application Layer
The application layer provides quantum network services to end users:
- Quantum secure communication protocols
- Distributed quantum computing interfaces
- Quantum sensing and measurement networks
- Application-specific quantum network optimization