Content area

Abstract

The rise of quantum networks has revolutionized fields like communication, sensing, and cybersecurity. However, current quantum network systems are limited in scale, highly application specific(e.g., focused on quantum key distribution), and there is also no clear pathway for global expansion. Key challenges for this include a shortage of skilled professionals, limited knowledge, and the high complexity and cost of building quantum hardware, which create barriers for those wishing to learn and conduct research in this field. This thesis proposes software-based quantum network virtualization to overcome these challenges by developing a cloud application to control the quantum hardware. The cloud-based application enables virtualization of the time tagger and the optical switch components of the hardware setup by allowing users to perform various measurement functions provided by the time tagger and by allocating channel pairs to users on which these measurements will be performed. Currently, our hardware setup, developed in collaboration with the University of Michigan, consists of six photon detectors that can form three channel pairs which enables entanglement distribution. A key challenge in this setup is the fair allocation of limited channel pairs among multiple users. To address this, we propose a Proportional Fairness based Utility Function and Hungarian Matching Algorithm for matching resources to users in such a way that sum of their utility function is maximized, ensuring an optimized and equitable distribution of quantum resources. The simulation results show that the algorithm effectively maintains high fairness, even when multiple users compete for limited resources. By virtualizing core quantum hardware components, this framework abstracts complex quantum operations, allowing users to interact with quantum systems through an intuitive graphical interface. This approach significantly lowers the barrier to entry for quantum network research and experimentation, making quantum technologies accessible even to those without prior experience in quantum hardware operation.

Details

1010268
Business indexing term
Title
Software Virtualization and Resource Allocation in Quantum Networks
Number of pages
44
Publication year
2025
Degree date
2025
School code
0155
Source
MAI 87/4(E), Masters Abstracts International
ISBN
9798297622999
Committee member
Gehringer, Ed; Yu, Ruozhou
University/institution
North Carolina State University
University location
United States -- North Carolina
Degree
M.S.
Source type
Dissertation or Thesis
Language
English
Document type
Dissertation/Thesis
Dissertation/thesis number
32331697
ProQuest document ID
3264194253
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/software-virtualization-resource-allocation/docview/3264194253/se-2?accountid=208611
Copyright
Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works.
Database
ProQuest One Academic