*This publication was originally released for members on May 4, 2026. An updated version was released for members on July 9, 2026 and made public on July 28, 2026. The publication date and citation reflects the original members only publication date

Executive Summary

A quantum network is a system that connects quantum nodes—such as a quantum computer, quantum sensor, or other source of quantum information—to transmit or exchange quantum information that incorporates quantum properties such as entanglement or superposition. The ability to send quantum bits (“qubits”) encoding quantum information over long distances enables applications that use these properties to provide advantages over classical technologies.

Like classical networks, quantum networks have the potential to enable diverse applications, from distributed computing and sensing to secure communications. However, the novel quantum networks that underpin these applications are generally at a relatively early stage of development. This report (i) provides a framework of metrics that specify the characteristics of a quantum network and the enabling technologies necessary to support various applications and (ii) describes 10 applications that are likely to be of significant commercial value.

Metrics

The key metrics related to quantum network performance are

• fidelity
• synchronization
• qubit transmission rate
• transmission distance
• number of network nodes
• size
• connectivity

Critical Technologies

The technologies that are critical for many applications are

• quantum memory
• quantum light sources
• light-matter interfaces
• transduction/frequency converters
• single photon detectors
• quantum repeaters
• quantum satellite infrastructure
• quantum optical network switches.

Based on the input of experts in the field, ten applications with potentially high economic and scientific impact have been identified and assessed. Each application includes the metrics and enabling technology requirements and the estimated technology readiness level and time to commercialization.

Applications

The 10 high-impact applications are grouped into three areas:

1. Network security: quantum key distribution, blind quantum computing, quantum-secure direct communication, quantum position verification, quantum secret sharing, quantum digital signatures
2. Networked quantum computing: clustered quantum computing, distributed quantum computing
3. Networked quantum sensors: quantum-enhanced time synchronization, distributed quantum sensing.

Findings

Not surprisingly, the two applications with relatively small gaps between the current versus required metrics and technologies, high technology readiness, and short time to commercialization are quantum key distribution and quantum digital signatures. Conversely, the application with relatively large metric and technology gaps, low technology readiness, and long time to commercialization (about 10 years) is long-distance distributed quantum computing. Clustered quantum computing (e.g., within a data center) may be realized in approximately 5 years.

Advances in the following technologies, albeit by varying degrees, will enable the most applications and are thus areas in which agencies that fund quantum research could have the greatest impact:

• quantum optical network switches (9 out of 10)
• quantum repeaters (9)
• quantum satellite infrastructure (9)
• quantum light sources (8)
• light-matter interfaces (8)

The metrics for which varying degrees of improvement are required by the largest number of applications are:

• qubit transmission rate (8 out of 10)
• transmission distance (8)
• fidelity (7)
• synchronization (7)

The performance that can be achieved in quantum networks today supports two applications, quantum key distribution and distributed quantum sensing, but, for both, only point-to-point within a limited geographic area. It should be noted that the quantum network Is not always the bottleneck: Commercialization of distributed quantum sensing applications is limited by the technology readiness of the sensors.  

Extension of quantum networks to wider geographic areas requires development of three critical technologies:

1. quantum repeaters that extend the range of the quantum network on an optical fiber network,
2. quantum satellite infrastructure for very long distances, and
3. quantum-compatible optical switches.

The ability to network quantum devices and to distribute quantum information is integral to achieving the full benefit and value of quantum capabilities in computing, sensing, communication, and cryptography. Commercial use requires not only the achievement of performance specifications but also costs that the market will support. With an approach that focuses on the ultimate application, this study provides a systems perspective on the gaps that need to be addressed. It can inform funding agencies and private investors when in decisions about where to allocate resources.