Quantum Technologies for Beyond 5G and 6G Networks: Applications, Opportunities, and Challenges
As the world prepares for the advent of 6G networks, quantum technologies are becoming critical enablers of the next generation of communication systems. This survey paper investigates the convergence of quantum technologies and 6G networks, focusing on their applications, opportunities and challeng...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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IEEE
2025-01-01
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| Series: | IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society |
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| Online Access: | https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11107233/ |
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| author | Engin Zeydan Chamitha De Alwis Rabia Khan Yekta Turk Abdullah Aydeger Thippa Reddy Gadekallu Madhusanka Liyanage |
| author_facet | Engin Zeydan Chamitha De Alwis Rabia Khan Yekta Turk Abdullah Aydeger Thippa Reddy Gadekallu Madhusanka Liyanage |
| author_sort | Engin Zeydan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | As the world prepares for the advent of 6G networks, quantum technologies are becoming critical enablers of the next generation of communication systems. This survey paper investigates the convergence of quantum technologies and 6G networks, focusing on their applications, opportunities and challenges. We begin with an examination of the motivations for integrating quantum technologies into 6G, investigating the potential to overcome the limits of classical computing and cryptography. We then highlight key research gaps, particularly in quantum communication, quantum computing integration and security enhancement. A comprehensive overview of quantum technologies relevant to 6G, including quantum communication devices, quantum computing paradigms, and hybrid quantum-classical approaches is provided. A particular focus is on the role of quantum technologies in enhancing 6G Radio Access Networks (RAN), 6G core and edge network optimization, and 6G security. The survey paper also explores the application of quantum cryptography with a focus on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Quantum Secure Direct Communication (QSDC) and quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms and assesses their implementation challenges and potential impact on 6G networks. We also discuss the significant challenges associated with integrating quantum technologies into existing communications infrastructures, including issues of technological maturity, standardization, and economic considerations. Finally, we summarize the lessons learned from current research and outline future research directions to guide the ongoing development of quantum-enabled 6G networks. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-86381ffaedcf47d2ab45d19e875af3d7 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2644-125X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | IEEE |
| record_format | Article |
| series | IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society |
| spelling | doaj-art-86381ffaedcf47d2ab45d19e875af3d72025-08-22T23:17:23ZengIEEEIEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society2644-125X2025-01-0166383642010.1109/OJCOMS.2025.359184211107233Quantum Technologies for Beyond 5G and 6G Networks: Applications, Opportunities, and ChallengesEngin Zeydan0https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3329-0588Chamitha De Alwis1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2219-6142Rabia Khan2https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8169-7177Yekta Turk3https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8727-3188Abdullah Aydeger4https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3333-1941Thippa Reddy Gadekallu5https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0097-801XMadhusanka Liyanage6https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4786-030XServices as Networks Research Unit, Centre Tecnolgic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya, Barcelona, SpainSchool of Computer Science and technology, University of Bedfordshire, Luton, U.K.Transmission Planning Department, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Transmission, Perth, U.K.Communications Department, Aselsan Corporation, Istanbul, TürkiyeDepartment of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, USACollege of Mathematics and Computer Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, ChinaNetwork Softwarization and Security Labs, School of Computer Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, IrelandAs the world prepares for the advent of 6G networks, quantum technologies are becoming critical enablers of the next generation of communication systems. This survey paper investigates the convergence of quantum technologies and 6G networks, focusing on their applications, opportunities and challenges. We begin with an examination of the motivations for integrating quantum technologies into 6G, investigating the potential to overcome the limits of classical computing and cryptography. We then highlight key research gaps, particularly in quantum communication, quantum computing integration and security enhancement. A comprehensive overview of quantum technologies relevant to 6G, including quantum communication devices, quantum computing paradigms, and hybrid quantum-classical approaches is provided. A particular focus is on the role of quantum technologies in enhancing 6G Radio Access Networks (RAN), 6G core and edge network optimization, and 6G security. The survey paper also explores the application of quantum cryptography with a focus on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Quantum Secure Direct Communication (QSDC) and quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms and assesses their implementation challenges and potential impact on 6G networks. We also discuss the significant challenges associated with integrating quantum technologies into existing communications infrastructures, including issues of technological maturity, standardization, and economic considerations. Finally, we summarize the lessons learned from current research and outline future research directions to guide the ongoing development of quantum-enabled 6G networks.https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11107233/B5G6Gquantum computingquantum networking |
| spellingShingle | Engin Zeydan Chamitha De Alwis Rabia Khan Yekta Turk Abdullah Aydeger Thippa Reddy Gadekallu Madhusanka Liyanage Quantum Technologies for Beyond 5G and 6G Networks: Applications, Opportunities, and Challenges IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society B5G 6G quantum computing quantum networking |
| title | Quantum Technologies for Beyond 5G and 6G Networks: Applications, Opportunities, and Challenges |
| title_full | Quantum Technologies for Beyond 5G and 6G Networks: Applications, Opportunities, and Challenges |
| title_fullStr | Quantum Technologies for Beyond 5G and 6G Networks: Applications, Opportunities, and Challenges |
| title_full_unstemmed | Quantum Technologies for Beyond 5G and 6G Networks: Applications, Opportunities, and Challenges |
| title_short | Quantum Technologies for Beyond 5G and 6G Networks: Applications, Opportunities, and Challenges |
| title_sort | quantum technologies for beyond 5g and 6g networks applications opportunities and challenges |
| topic | B5G 6G quantum computing quantum networking |
| url | https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11107233/ |
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