On the design and analysis of near-term quantum network protocols using Markov decision processes

The quantum internet is one of the frontiers information science. It will revolutionize way we communicate and do other tasks, it allow for tasks that are not possible using current, classical internet. backbone a entanglement distributed globally in order to such novel applications be performed over long distances. Experimental progress currently being made realize networks on small scale, but much theoretical work still needed understand how best distribute entanglement, especially with limitations near-term technologies taken into account. This provides an initial step toward this goal. In work, lay out theory based Markov decision processes (MDPs), show MDPs provide precise systematic mathematical framework model protocols agnostic specific implementation platform. We start by simplifying MDP elementary links introduced prior providing new results policies steady-state (infinite-time) limit. Then, link can used analyze complete network protocol. then extension formalism two links. Here, as results, derive linear programing relaxations us obtain optimal respect expected fidelity waiting time end-to-end link.