U.S. patent application number 17/835145 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-22 for quantum enabled hybrid fiber cable loop.
This patent application is currently assigned to AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. The applicant listed for this patent is AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. Invention is credited to Robert D. Boudreau, JR., Moshiur Rahman.
Application Number | 20220303129 17/835145 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006388118 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220303129 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rahman; Moshiur ; et
al. |
September 22, 2022 |
QUANTUM ENABLED HYBRID FIBER CABLE LOOP
Abstract
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example,
determining that quantum entanglement be established between first
and second nodes of a service provider network including a software
defined network (SDN) that facilitates delivery of a service to a
subscriber and identifying a path between the first node and the
second node based on pre-provisioned information supplied by the
SDN. A path length of the path is estimated based on the
pre-provisioned information supplied by the SDN, and a repeater
node is selected responsive to the path length exceeding a
threshold, wherein the path includes a first segment having a
segment length that does not exceed the threshold. A quantum
entanglement state is shared between the first and second nodes
based on transportation of a first photon of a first entangled pair
of photons via the first segment. Other embodiments are
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Rahman; Moshiur; (Marlboro,
NJ) ; Boudreau, JR.; Robert D.; (North Wales,
PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AT&T Intellectual Property I,
L.P.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
1000006388118 |
Appl. No.: |
17/835145 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16706295 |
Dec 6, 2019 |
11387991 |
|
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17835145 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06N 10/00 20190101;
H04L 9/0819 20130101; H04L 9/0855 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04L 9/08 20060101
H04L009/08; G06N 10/00 20060101 G06N010/00 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: a processing system including a processor;
and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when
executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of
operations, the operations comprising: calculating a path length of
a quantum path between a first node and a second node of a service
provider network comprising a software defined network (SDN), based
on pre-provisioned information supplied by the SDN; identifying a
quantum repeater node responsive to the path length exceeding a
threshold, wherein the quantum path comprises a first segment
between the first node and the quantum repeater node; and
facilitating a sharing of a quantum entanglement state between the
first node and the second node to obtain a shared quantum
entanglement state based on a transportation of a first object of a
first quantum entangled pair of objects via the first segment.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise:
initiating a classical communication channel between the first node
and the second node, the classical communication channel adapted to
communicate quantum state information of the shared quantum
entanglement state from the first node to the second node to obtain
communicated quantum state information, wherein the quantum state
information is obtained from a measurement performed upon a second
object of the first quantum entangled pair of objects, and wherein
information is exchanged between the first node and the second node
via the quantum path according to the transportation of the first
object of the first quantum entangled pair of objects and the
communicated quantum state information.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first object of the first
quantum entangled pair of objects comprises a first photon of a
quantum entangled pair of photons, and wherein the quantum state
information is shared within a hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) network.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the quantum state information
comprises operational information of the HFC network.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the operational information of
the HFC network comprises a security key.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise:
determining a first location of the first node and a second
location of the second node based on the pre-provisioned
information supplied by the SDN; and identifying a quantum source
configured to generate the first quantum entangled pair of objects
based on the first location, wherein a first network routing path
extends between the quantum source and the first node, the first
network routing path adapted to transport a second object of the
first quantum entangled pair of objects to the first node.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein identifying of the first network
routing path further comprises: identifying a second network
routing path based on the second location, the second network
routing path extending between the quantum source and the quantum
repeater node, the second network routing path adapted to transport
a second object of the first quantum entangled pair of objects to
the quantum repeater node.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first object of the first
quantum entangled pair of objects comprises a first photon of a
quantum entangled pair of photons, and wherein the first segment
comprises a fiber optic link adapted to transport the first photon
of the first quantum entangled pair of photons.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the first object of the first
quantum entangled pair of objects comprises a first photon of a
quantum entangled pair of photons, and wherein the quantum path
comprises a free-space optical link adapted to transport a photon
of the first quantum entangled pair of photons.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the quantum repeater node
comprises a satellite repeater node, the free-space optical link
extending from a terrestrial location to the satellite repeater
node.
11. A method, comprising: determining, by a processing system
comprising a processor, a path length of a path between a first
node and a second node of a service provider network comprising a
software defined network (SDN), based on pre-provisioned
information supplied by the SDN; identifying, by the processing
system, a repeater node responsive to the path length exceeding a
threshold, wherein the path comprises a first segment between the
first node and the repeater node; and facilitating, by the
processing system, a sharing of a quantum entanglement state
between the first node and the second node to obtain a shared
quantum entanglement state based on a transportation of a first
photon of a first entangled pair of photons via the first
segment.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: initiating, by the
processing system, a classical communication channel between the
first node and the second node, the classical communication channel
adapted to communicate quantum state information of the shared
quantum entanglement state from the first node to the second node
to obtain communicated quantum state information, wherein the
quantum state information is obtained from a measurement performed
upon a second quantum photon of the first entangled pair of
photons, and wherein information is exchanged between the first
node and the second node via the path according to the
transportation of the first photon of the first entangled pair of
photons and the communicated quantum state information.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the quantum state information
is shared within a hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) network.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the quantum state information
comprises operational information of the HFC network.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the operational information of
the HFC network comprises a security key.
16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining, by the
processing system, a first location of the first node and a second
location of the second node based on the pre-provisioned
information supplied by the SDN; and identifying, by the processing
system, a quantum source configured to generate the first entangled
pair of photons based on the first location, wherein a first
routing path extends between the quantum source and the first node,
the first routing path adapted to transport a second photon of the
first entangled pair of photons to the first node.
17. A non-transitory, machine-readable medium, comprising
executable instructions that, when executed by a processing system
including a processor, facilitate performance of operations, the
operations comprising: estimating a path length of a path between a
first node and a second node of a service provider network
comprising a software defined network (SDN), based on
pre-provisioned information supplied by the SDN; selecting a
quantum repeater node responsive to the path length exceeding a
threshold, wherein the path comprises a first segment between the
first node and the quantum repeater node; and facilitating a
sharing of a quantum entanglement state between the first node and
the second node to obtain a shared quantum entanglement state based
on a transportation of a first photon of a first entangled pair of
photons via the first segment.
18. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 17,
wherein the operations further comprise: initiating a classical
communication channel between the first node and the second node,
the classical communication channel adapted to communicate quantum
state information of the shared quantum entanglement state from the
first node to the second node to obtain communicated quantum state
information, wherein the quantum state information is obtained from
a measurement performed upon a second quantum photon of the first
entangled pair of photons, and wherein information is exchanged
between the first node and the second node via the path according
to the transportation of the first photon of the first entangled
pair of photons and the communicated quantum state information.
19. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 18,
wherein the first segment has a segment length that does not exceed
the threshold, and wherein the quantum state information is shared
within a hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) network.
20. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 19,
wherein the operations further comprise: determining a first
location of the first node and a second location of the second node
based on the pre-provisioned information supplied by the SDN; and
identifying a quantum source configured to generate the first
entangled pair of photons based on the first location, wherein a
first routing path extends between the quantum source and the first
node, the first routing path adapted to transport a second photon
of the first entangled pair of photons to the first node.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 16/706,295, filed Dec. 6, 2019. All sections of the
aforementioned application(s) and/or patent(s) are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The subject disclosure relates to a quantum enabled hybrid
fiber cable loop.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Quantum networks support an exchange of information in the
form of quantum bits, also called qubits, between physically
separated endpoints. Quantum networks include quantum processors
adapted for storing and processing information and quantum channels
that link the processors. Sharing entanglement over endpoint nodes
through a quantum channels enables physical implementations of
quantum cryptography, quantum secret sharing and distributed
quantum computation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary,
non-limiting embodiment of a communications network in accordance
with various aspects described herein.
[0006] FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a quantum entanglement distribution
system functioning within the communication network of FIG. 1 in
accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0007] FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of another quantum entanglement
distribution system functioning within the communication network of
FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0008] FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of another quantum entanglement
distribution system functioning within the communication network of
FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0009] FIG. 2D is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of another quantum entanglement
distribution system functioning within the communication network of
FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0010] FIG. 2E is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of another quantum entanglement
distribution system functioning within the communication network of
FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0011] FIG. 2F is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of yet another quantum entanglement
distribution system functioning within the communication network of
FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0012] FIG. 2G is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of yet another quantum entanglement
distribution system functioning within the communication network of
FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0013] FIG. 2H depicts an illustrative embodiment of a process in
accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0014] FIG. 2I depicts an illustrative embodiment of another
process in accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication network in
accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting
embodiment of a computing environment in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting
embodiment of a mobile network platform in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting
embodiment of a communication device in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The subject disclosure describes, among other things,
illustrative embodiments of quantum enabled network architectures
adapted to incorporate an entanglement distribution function in a
typical telecommunication infrastructure by incorporating quantum
enable nodes (QEN), e.g., in combination with an optical fiber
network, such as a metropolitan fiber network, and in combination
with local quantum agents (QA) that manage interactions between the
QEN and a source of entangled objects. The quantum enablement
provides generation of groups of quantum entangled objects and
efficient distribution of the entangled objects among those nodes
of the telecommunication network that require quantum processing.
Other embodiments are described in the subject disclosure.
[0020] In particular, the embodiments disclosed herein provide
quantum-enabled HFC network that incorporates software defined
network (SDN) architecture. In at least some embodiments, a
free-space optical link, such as a satellite link, are applied as
intermediate, trusted node. According to the techniques disclosed
herein, an HFC network or loop, e.g., consisting of fiber and coax,
can select an efficient quantum entanglement end-to-end
distribution path or set of paths using a centralized SDN
intelligence. Owing to channel loss, the main challenge for a
practical quantum networking is to extend the communication range
to long distances. Distance is still a factor of efficient quantum
entanglement distribution for long distance. SDN can be configured
with a prior knowledge of distances among quantum channel nodes
supporting the HFC network to identify and configure path routing
information for any specific traffic, e.g., in support of a service
level agreement (SLA) and in real time.
[0021] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
system, including a processing system having a processor and a
memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by
the processing system, facilitate performance of operations. The
operations include receiving a request for communications between a
first communication node and a second communication node,
determining that the communications require a quantum channel, and
identifying a first network routing path of a group of network
routing paths according to the quantum channel. Quantum
entanglement is established between the first communication node
and the second communication node based on transportation of a
first quantum entangled photon of a first pair of quantum entangled
photons via the first network routing path, resulting in a
transported first quantum entangled photon of the first pair of
quantum entangled photons. The operations further include
initiating a classical communication channel between the first
communication node and the second communication node, the classical
communication channel adapted to communicate quantum state
information from the first communication node to the second
communication node to obtain communicated quantum state
information, wherein the quantum state information is obtained from
a measurement performed upon a second quantum entangled photon of
the first pair of quantum entangled photons. Information is
exchanged between the first communication node and the second
communication node via the quantum channel according to the
transported first quantum entangled photon of the first pair of
quantum entangled photons and the communicated quantum state
information.
[0022] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
process that includes detecting, by a processing system including a
processor, a request to facilitate communications, to obtain
requested communications, between a first communication node and a
second communication node, determining, by the processing system,
that the requested communications be established via quantum
teleportation between the first communication node and the second
communication node, the quantum teleportation based on a quantum
entanglement among a first group of quantum entangled objects, and
identifying, by the processing system, a network path of a group of
network paths according to a quantum channel. Quantum entanglement
is established between the first communication node and the second
communication node based on transportation of a first quantum
entangled object of the first group of quantum entangled objects
via a first path segment of the network path, resulting in a
transported first quantum entangled object. The process further
includes facilitating, by the processing system, a classical
communication channel between the first communication node and the
second communication node, the classical communication channel
supporting an exchange of quantum state information of the first
quantum entangled object from the first communication node to the
second communication node to obtain exchanged quantum state
information. Information is exchanged between the first
communication node and the second communication node via the
quantum channel according to the transported first quantum
entangled object and the exchanged quantum state information.
[0023] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
non-transitory, machine-readable medium, comprising executable
instructions that, when executed by a processing system including a
processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations
include identifying a request to facilitate communications between
a first processing node and a second processing node, determining
that the communications be established via quantum teleportation
between the first processing node and the second processing node,
the quantum teleportation based on a quantum entanglement among a
group of quantum entangled objects, and identifying a network path
comprising a first path segment to obtain a quantum channel.
Quantum entanglement is established between the first processing
node and the second processing node based on transportation of a
first quantum entangled object of the group of quantum entangled
objects via the quantum channel, resulting in a transported first
quantum entangled object. The operations further include
facilitating a classical communication channel between the first
processing node and the second processing node, the classical
communication channel adapted to exchange quantum state information
of a measurement performed upon the first quantum entangled object
from the first processing node to the second processing node to
obtain exchanged quantum state information. Information is
exchanged between the first processing node and the second
processing node via the quantum channel according to the
transported first quantum entangled object and the exchanged
quantum state information.
[0024] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
system having a processing system including a processor and a
memory. The memory stores executable instructions that, when
executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of
operations. The operations include determining that quantum
entanglement be established between a first node and a second node
of a service provider network comprising a software defined network
(SDN) that facilitates delivery of a service to a service
subscriber. According to the operations, a quantum path is selected
between the first node and the second node based on pre-provisioned
information supplied by the SDN; calculating a path length of the
quantum path based on the pre-provisioned information supplied by
the SDN, and a quantum repeater node is identified responsive to
the path length exceeding a threshold, wherein the quantum path
comprises a first segment between the first node and the quantum
repeater and having a segment length that does not exceed the
threshold. A sharing of a quantum entanglement state is facilitated
between the first node and the second node to obtain a shared
quantum entanglement state based on transportation of a first
photon of a first entangled pair of photons via the first
segment.
[0025] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
process that includes determining, by a processing system including
a processor, that quantum entanglement be established between a
first node and a second node of a service provider network
comprising a software defined network (SDN) that facilitates
delivery of a service to a service subscriber. The process further
includes identifying, by the processing system, a path between the
first node and the second node based on pre-provisioned information
supplied by the SDN, and determining, by the processing system, a
path length of the path based on the pre-provisioned information
supplied by the SDN. The process further includes identifying, by
the processing system, a repeater node responsive to the path
length exceeding a threshold, wherein the path includes a first
segment between the first node and the repeater node having a
segment length that does not exceed the threshold; and
facilitating, by the processing system, a sharing of a quantum
entanglement state between the first node and the second node to
obtain a shared quantum entanglement state based on transportation
of a first photon of a first entangled pair of photons via the
first segment.
[0026] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
non-transitory, machine-readable medium, including executable
instructions that, when executed by a processing system including a
processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations
include determining that quantum entanglement be established
between a first node and a second node of a service provider
network comprising a software defined network (SDN) that
facilitates delivery of a service to a service subscriber;
identifying a path between the first node and the second node based
on pre-provisioned information supplied by the SDN. The operations
further include estimating a path length of the path based on the
pre-provisioned information supplied by the SDN, and selecting a
quantum repeater node responsive to the path length exceeding a
threshold, wherein the path comprises a first segment between the
first node and the quantum repeater having a segment length that
does not exceed the threshold. According to the operations, a
sharing of a quantum entanglement state is facilitated between the
first node and the second node to obtain a shared quantum
entanglement state based on transportation of a first photon of a
first entangled pair of photons via the first segment.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram is shown
illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a
communications network 100 in accordance with various aspects
described herein. For example, communications network 100 can
facilitate in whole or in part a generation of a quantum entangled
group of objects, such as entangled photons, responsive to a
request for processing, e.g., communication between remote
processing nodes, that utilizes quantum entanglement. In
particular, the quantum entangle objects of the group of objects,
e.g., entangled photons, are generated and distributed in an
efficient and reliable manner to one or more of the processing
nodes based on the request. Quantum agents (QA) are employed, that
in at least some applications, evaluate communication and/or
processing requests to determine whether quantum entanglement is
required. The network 100 can include a local QAs at one or more of
the processing nodes. Having identified communications and/or
processing nodes to be entangled, one or more quantum channels are
identified to support transportation of the entangled objects from
an entanglement source to remote destinations to facilitate quantum
entanglement between endpoints of the requested link. It is
envisioned that in at least some applications, one or more quantum
repeaters may be necessary, in which case a swapping of quantum
information or states can be employed to extent an entangled state
between the source and the destination by way of the repeater.
Accordingly, the quantum channels can be established between one or
more of the quantum source, a source processing node, a destination
processing node and possibly one or more intermediate nodes, such
as a quantum repeater node.
[0028] In particular, a communications network 125 is presented for
providing broadband access 110 to a plurality of data terminals 114
via access terminal 112, wireless access 120 to a plurality of
mobile devices 124 and vehicle 126 via base station or access point
122, voice access 130 to a plurality of telephony devices 134, via
switching device 132 and/or media access 140 to a plurality of
audio/video display devices 144 via media terminal 142. In
addition, communication network 125 is coupled to one or more
content sources 175 of audio, video, graphics, text and/or other
media. While broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice
access 130 and media access 140 are shown separately, one or more
of these forms of access can be combined to provide multiple access
services to a single client device (e.g., mobile devices 124 can
receive media content via media terminal 142, data terminal 114 can
be provided voice access via switching device 132, and so on).
[0029] The communications network 125 includes a plurality of
network elements (NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc., for facilitating
the broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,
media access 140 and/or the distribution of content from content
sources 175. The communications network 125 can include a circuit
switched or packet switched network, a voice over Internet protocol
(VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP) network, a cable network, a
passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G, or higher generation
wireless access network, WIMAX network, UltraWideband network,
personal area network or other wireless access network, a broadcast
satellite network and/or other communications network.
[0030] In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include
a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem
termination system (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other
access terminal. The data terminals 114 can include personal
computers, laptop computers, netbook computers, tablets or other
computing devices along with digital subscriber line (DSL) modems,
data over coax service interface specification (DOCSIS) modems or
other cable modems, a wireless modem such as a 4G, 5G, or higher
generation modem, an optical modem and/or other access devices.
[0031] In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122
can include a 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access
point that operates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n,
802.11ac or other wireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124
can include mobile phones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless
modems, and/or other mobile computing devices.
[0032] In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include
a private branch exchange or central office switch, a media
services gateway, VoIP gateway or other gateway device and/or other
switching device. The telephony devices 134 can include traditional
telephones (with or without a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones
and/or other telephony devices.
[0033] In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a
cable head-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway
or other media terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include
televisions with or without a set top box, personal computers
and/or other display devices.
[0034] In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include
broadcast television and radio sources, video on demand platforms
and streaming video and audio services platforms, one or more
content data networks, data servers, web servers and other content
servers, and/or other sources of media.
[0035] In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can
include wired, optical and/or wireless links and the network
elements 150, 152, 154, 156, etc., can include service switching
points, signal transfer points, service control points, network
gateways, media distribution hubs, servers, firewalls, routers,
edge devices, switches and other network nodes for routing and
controlling communications traffic over wired, optical and wireless
links as part of the Internet and other public networks as well as
one or more private networks, for managing subscriber access, for
billing and network management and for supporting other network
functions.
[0036] The various examples and architectures disclosed herein
facilitate distribution of quantum entanglement, a building block
of the entangled quantum networking. In at least some applications,
the quantum entanglement distribution architectures are employed in
combination with wireless communications, e.g., radio access
networks (RAN), including wireless applications according to
standards of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
Examples include, without limitation, the Global System for Mobile
Communications (GSM) standard, and related 2G and 2/5G standards,
including General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Enhanced Data
rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), 3.sup.rd generation (3G) standards,
such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), 4.sup.th
generation (4G) standards, such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE
Advanced, and 5.sup.th generation (5G) standards, such as 5G NR
(New Radio).
[0037] The exchange of quantum information between remote locations
is achievable through quantum entanglement distribution between
remote nodes, e.g., according to an Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen
(EPR) pair, such as an entangled pair of photons. For many
applications of quantum information, such as quantum key
distribution (QKD), hyper-dense or super-dense coding, and
teleportation, the entanglement distribution, that is the
distribution of the entangled qubits between a source node and a
destination node is a core requirement. Such entanglement
distribution will also be necessary for any realization of an
entangled core network structure of a quantum Internet. According
to hyper-dense coding, more than one classical bit of information
can be encoded into one quibit. An EPR pair is a pair of qubits
that are in a Bell state together. Bell states refer to specific
quantum states of a quantum entangled systems. For a two-qubit
system, the Bell states include four specific maximally entangled
quantum states of the pair. As a consequence of the pair's
entanglement, a measurement of one member of the pair, i.e., one
qubit, will assign a value to the other qubit immediately. This can
occur in one of four ways for the pair, in which where the value
assigned depends on which Bell state the two qubits are in.
[0038] By using quantum superposition, or quantum entanglement, and
transmitting information in quantum states, a communication system
is well suited for detecting eavesdropping. Quantum entanglement is
the shared state of two separate particles, such that what happens
to one happens to other. More generally, the entanglement process
includes creation of a pair of qubits, e.g., photons of light, in a
particular, e.g., a single, quantum state. According to quantum
entanglement, even if the pair of qubits are separated and
transported to remote destinations, e.g., in opposite directions,
they retain in an entangled state, suggesting a quantum connection.
According to the quantum connection, any change in the quantum
state of one photon will instantaneously and irreversibly change
the state of the other one in a predictable way, despite an
arbitrary separation distance. For example, measurement of one
qubit will assign one of two possible values to the other qubit
instantly. Accordingly, it can be said that the quantum state is
teleported from one node to another.
[0039] Such quantum teleportation requires first establishing
separation of a pair of entangled photons between two nodes, e.g.,
network element 154 (node A) and network element 156 (node B). As a
prerequisite for quantum teleportation, an entangled pair of
photons is generated or otherwise created, e.g., at an entanglement
source or generator. In some embodiments, each of nodes A and B
receives a respective entangled photon or qubit of the entangled
pair, e.g., via any of the example quantum entanglement
architectures disclosed herein. Node A, a source in this example,
permits its entangled photon to interact with a "memory qubit" that
holds data intended for transmission from node A to node B. This
interaction changes the state of node A's photon, and through
quantum entanglement, while also simultaneously changing the state
of node B's photon too. In effect, this process "teleports" the
information obtained from A's memory qubit from node A to node B,
via the shared entangled photon pair.
[0040] The illustrative communications network 100, includes a
first quantum enabled node (QEN) 160a and a second quantum enabled
node 160b, and a quantum source (QS) 162. The first QEN 160a is
associated with the first NE 154 (node A); whereas, the second QEN
160b is associated with the second NE 156 (node B). The QENs 160a,
160b, generally 160, are adapted to process quantum entangled
objects, such as entangled photons. The quantum source 162
generates an entangled pair, e.g., an entangled photon pair, and
distributes one of the entangled photons to the first QEN 160a via
a first quantum channel, and a second one of the entangled photons
to the second QEN 160b. Once distributed in this manner, each of
the QENs 160a, 160b share quantum entanglement by way of the shared
pair of entangled photons. In physically realizable systems,
transportation of an entangled object, such as an entangled photon,
may be subject to limitations, such as decay, noise, time delay.
Depending upon a physical separation of, and/or a network
configuration between the end nodes, i.e., nodes A and B, one or
more additional quantum entangled objects, e.g., entangled photon
pairs, may be utilized to extend entanglement. Through a process
known as entanglement swapping, entanglement can be transferred, or
swapped, onto two particles that originated from different sources
and were formerly completely independent. This is the first time
that two autonomous photons from continuous sources have been
entangled. Quantum processing can include, without limitation, one
or more of receiving a qubit, storing a qubit, and performing a
measurement on a received and/or stored qubit, e.g., to obtain
quantum information, such as a quantum state.
[0041] According to entanglement swapping, independent pairs of
entangled qubits can be generated by autonomous sources. A joint
measurement can be performed on one qubit from each of the
independent pairs such that the two pairs enter into an entangled
state. The two remaining qubits of the two independent pairs can be
projected onto an entangled state despite their being unaware of
each other's presence and never having previously interacted.
[0042] In at least some applications, quantum processing, e.g.,
quantum teleportation, also includes a sharing of a quantum
measurement result between the QENs 160a, 160b. For example, if the
first QEN 160a performs a measurement to impress information onto
its shared qubit, the measurement result obtained at the first QEN
160a can be transmitted to the second QEN 160b via a classical
communication channel, e.g., without using entanglement. Such a
transfer of the measurement result allows the second QEN 160b to
perform an independent measurement on its shared quibit, to confirm
that its measurement result is consistent with the result shared
via the classical communications channel, signifying a quantum
teleportation of information from the first QEN 160a to the second
QEN 160b. The classical communication channel can include one or
more of the various communications supported by the communications
network 125. Although the example QENs 160 are illustrated as being
provided in association with the NEs 154, 156 of the communication
network, it is envisioned that one or more of the QENs 160 can
likewise be included at any one or more of the broadband access
110, the voice access 130, the wireless access 120 and the media
access 140 elements. Additionally, in at least some embodiments,
the quantum source 162 can be collocated with a source QEN 160a,
such that a separate quantum channel would be unnecessary as one of
a generated pair of entangled objects would already be present at
the source QEN 160a.
[0043] A long-distance entanglement distribution can be adapted to
address or otherwise overcome challenges resulting from a decay of
any realizable entanglement distribution rate as a function of the
distance. As mentioned above, Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) is a
building block of entanglement-based and entanglement-assisted
quantum communication protocols. A prior shared EPR pair and an
authenticated classical channel allow two distant users to share
information, e.g., a secret key. The example network architecture
provides at least one centralized EPR source that can create
entangled states by a process of spontaneous parametric
down-conversion (SPDC). Once generated, the states can be routed
and/or otherwise distributed to users in different access
networks.
[0044] FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a quantum entanglement distribution
system 200 functioning within the communication network of FIG. 1
in accordance with various aspects described herein. The system 200
includes two processing nodes, referred to herein as a first
processing node 201a and a second processing node 201b. The first
processing node 201a includes a first quantum enabled node 202a and
a first quantum agent 203a. Likewise, the second processing node
201b includes a second quantum enabled node 202b and a second
quantum agent 203b. In at least some embodiments, information can
be shared or otherwise exchanged between the two processing nodes
201a, 201b, generally 201, through a process that relies at least
in part upon a so-called entanglement, or quantum entanglement
between the processing nodes 201.
[0045] Quantum entanglement occurs when two distinct physical
systems, e.g., the two processing nodes 201, are attributed
non-separable quantum states. The quantum states can be established
by generating entangled objects at one location, physically
separating the entangled objects and transporting one or both of
the entangled objects to other locations to effectively share
portions of the entangled objects. A two-level quantum system, is
referred to as a quantum bit or qubit. For example, an entangled
pair of qubits can be generated, a first qubit of an entangled pair
of qubits can be provided to the first processing node 201a, and a
second qubit of the entangled pair of qubits can be provide to the
second processing node 201b. Accordingly, the two processing nodes
201, may share halves of two qubit entangled states. In such an
entangled state, a special interrelationship exists between the
nodes 201, in which measuring an object, e.g., the first qubit of
the entangled pair, instantly influences the other, e.g., the
second qubit of the entangled pair, even if the two are completely
isolated and/or separated from one another. Thus, if one of the
entangled qubits is measured in any basis to have a definite
physical state, such as a polarization of a photon, then the state
of the other must be exactly complementary to this
polarization.
[0046] According to the illustrative embodiment, the system 200
further includes a quantum entanglement source 205, adapted to
generate a quantum entangled group of objects, e.g., a qubit and/or
a group of qubits. One or more members of the quantum entangled
group of objects can be physically transported to one or more
target locations via an entanglement distribution system 206a.
According to the illustrative example, the entanglement
distribution system 206a includes one or more quantum channels, or
links 207a, 207b, 207c, adapted to transport one or more of the
members of the quantum entangled group of objects. It is understood
that the entanglement distribution system 206a can include at least
one configurable element, such as a switch and/or a router adapted
to selectively control the distribution of the quantum entangled
group of objects. According to the illustrative example, the
entanglement distribution system 206a includes an entanglement
distribution network 206.
[0047] In some embodiments, the entanglement distribution network
206 includes a fiber optic system. Example fiber optic systems
include, without limitation, direct, point-to-point fiber optic
links, e.g., between the quantum enabled nodes 202a, 202b and/or
between the quantum entanglement source 205 and one or more of the
quantum enabled nodes 202a, 202b. Alternatively or in addition, the
entanglement distribution network 206 includes one or more of a
fiber ring network and a fiber mesh network. Distribution and/or
routing of entangled photons can include one or more of add/drop
multiplexers, wavelength division multiplexers, switches, e.g.,
cross bar switches, optical routers and the like. In at least some
embodiments, the fiber optic network includes, so-called, deep
fiber that extends at or at least relatively close to endpoint
destinations, e.g., households, apartment buildings, business, and
the like. It is understood that existing fiber optic networks
and/or links can be used in whole or in part to facilitate
distribution of entangled photons according to the disclosed
embodiments.
[0048] In general, the entanglement distribution network 206
facilitates distribution of one or more qubits from a qubit source,
e.g., an independent qubit source 205, to one or more of the
quantum enabled nodes 202a, 202b of the communications nodes 201.
The entanglement distribution network 206 can include one or more
switches, routers, and/or other configurable network elements
adapted to establish quantum channel links. Depending upon a
configuration of the entanglement distribution network 206, one or
more of the quantum entangled group of objects can be selectively
directed to one or more locations, such as the first processing
node 201a, the second processing node 201b, or both the first and
second processing nodes 201a, 201b, via one or more of the quantum
channels 207a, 207b, 207c, generally 207.
[0049] The illustrative embodiment of the quantum entanglement
distribution system 200 includes an entanglement distribution
controller 204. The controller 204 can generate and/or apply logic,
and/or policies, and/or algorithms and the like, to facilitate
entanglement distribution, by directing one or more members of the
quantum entangled group of objects to predetermined locations,
e.g., processing nodes 201, or more particularly, quantum enabled
nodes 202a, 202b, as detailed further below. For example, the
controller 204 may select one or more quantum communication links
and/or configuration(s) of one or more configurable elements of a
quantum communication link or channel. In at least some
embodiments, the controller 204 determines a suitable configuration
of the configurable entanglement distribution network 206, and
conveys one or more control signals to the configurable
entanglement distribution network 206. The control signals cause
the entanglement distribution network 206 to configure, or
reconfigure itself facilitate transport of the members of the
quantum entangled group of objects to their predetermined or
intended locations. The control signals can be directed from the
controller 204 to the configurable entanglement distribution
network 206 via a control or signaling channel, such as a quantum
entanglement signaling channel or network 208.
[0050] It is envisioned that in at least some embodiments, the
quantum entanglement signaling channel or network 208 comprises one
or more classical communications channels, i.e., not specifically
employing quantum entanglement, quantum processing and/or quantum
teleportation. However, it is further envisioned that in at least
some embodiments, the quantum entanglement signaling channel or
network 208 can employ a quantum channel, e.g., a quantum link 207.
For example, control and/or configuration information for a second
quantum link may be exchanged between the controller 204 and the
configurable entanglement distribution network 206 via quantum
entanglement over a first, pre-established quantum link.
[0051] In more detail, the first quantum enabled node 202a is in
communication with the first quantum agent 203a. Likewise, the
second quantum enabled node 202b is in communication with the
second quantum agent 203b. The first and second quantum agents
203a, 203b can be in communication with each other via a classical
communications channel or network 209, i.e., not relying upon
qubits or entanglement sharing. At least one of the quantum agents
203, e.g., the first quantum agent 203a, is in communication with
the controller 204. At least one of the first or second quantum
agents 203a, 203b is in communication with the controller 204. In
at least some embodiments, communications between the quantum agent
203 and the controller 204 may be accommodated via a classical
communications channel or network, i.e., not relying upon qubits or
entanglement sharing.
[0052] The controller 204 can be implemented as a standalone
processing device, such as a dedicated server. Alternatively or in
addition, the controller 204, without limitation, can be combined
with or otherwise hosted on another system, such as a
telecommunications system controller, a terrestrial network
controller, a fiber optic network controller, a cable network
controller, a wireless link controller, a satellite link
controller, and the like. The controller 204 may be combined with
or otherwise collocated with the qubit source 205. Alternatively,
the controller 204 may be remoted from the qubit source 205. When
remoted, the controller 204 can be in communication with the qubit
source 205 via a telecommunications network, a terrestrial packet
switched network, a fiber optic network, a cable network, a
wireless network, a satellite network controller, and the like.
[0053] In some embodiments, one or more of the processing nodes 201
are communications nodes, e.g., sharing quantum entanglement and
exchanging information with one or more other processing nodes 201,
via quantum teleportation. According to quantum communications,
entangled photons are used to transfer information between nodes,
in which a source node or sender holds half of the entangled
photons, while the destination node or receiver holds the other
half. Communication can be made possible by manipulation of the
photons at one of the source and destination, resulting in an
instantaneous change in the corresponding photons.
[0054] Alternatively or in addition, the processing nodes 201 can
include quantum processors adapted to store and/or otherwise
manipulate or process qubits. Quantum processors rely on quantum
bits, or qubits, instead of classical bits. Since qubits can exist
in multiple states, e.g., a `0` and a `1,` known as superposition,
they can support performance of multiple calculations at once,
while traditional bits are confined to only a 0 or a 1, limiting
them to one calculation at a time. When one quantum processor
changes the states of its photons, the corresponding entangled
photons are changed in the other quantum processor, thus
transferring the necessary qubits.
[0055] The qubit source 205 may include a microscopic system, such
as an atom, e.g., atomic nuclei, in which entanglement is shared
via a nuclear spin, or a photo in which entanglement may be shared
by one or more of polarized or orbital angular momentum. Qubits
that utilize photons can be carried or otherwise transported along
optical channels. For example, one or more of the quantum channels
or links 207 that convey polarized photons can include optical
fiber, free space, or a combination of optical fiber and free-space
optical links. A processing node 201 adapted for processing
photon-based qubits may include a photon detector, e.g., a single
photon detector, a polarization detector, a quantum storage element
to store qubits received from the quantum entanglement source
205.
[0056] The quantum agent 203 can include a processor, such as a
microprocessor adapted to execute a preprogrammed instruction set
to interact with the quantum enabled node 202 to facilitate
generation of entanglement between itself and a quantum agent of
another node. Facilitating generation of entanglement can include
one or more of: (i) identifying a source processing node 201a
and/or a destination node 201b, and possibly an intervening node,
such as a quantum repeater to identify a particular quantum
channel; (ii) requesting generation of and/or dissemination of
entangled qubits among processing nodes 201 of the particular
quantum channel; (iii) performing measurements on at least one of a
pair of entangled qubits shared via at least a portion of the
particular quantum channel; (iv) determining entangled state
information, such as a state of at least one of the shared pair of
entangled qubits; and (v) sharing the determined state information
with the destination node 201.
[0057] A local QA 203a can be preconfigured with a list of QENs
202, such as a list of QENs 202 accessible by the entanglement
distribution network 206. It is understood that in at least some
applications, one or more of the QENs 202 are preconfigured with
connectivity tables. Alternatively or in addition, the QA 203a can
be preconfigured, e.g., pre-programmed, with logic and/or policies
adapted to implement, control and/or otherwise manage quantum
entanglement distribution. For example, the QA 203a can receive a
request for processing at one or more processing nodes 201, and
determine whether the processing should employ quantum
entanglement. The request for processing can include a request for
communications between processing nodes 201, a request for quantum
encryption of information at one or more of the processing nodes
201, and/or to communications between processing nodes 201.
Determinations requiring quantum entanglement can be based on one
or more of various conditions, such as an imposed and/or requested
security level of processed information, a location of one or more
of the processing nodes 201, e.g., in a secure facility, a sender
and/or recipient identity, a level of subscription, and the
like.
[0058] Alternatively or in addition, determinations requiring
quantum entanglement can be based on a quantity of data to be
processed, a processing timing requirement, channel conditions,
channel capacity of the classical communications network 209 and/or
the entanglement distribution network 206, and/or any one or more
of the quantum links 207. Alternatively or in addition, the
determinations requiring quantum entanglement can be based on
quantum source 205 availability and/or capacity, success and/or
failures of prior attempts to establish entanglement, time of day,
network routing path geometry, etc. It is further understood that
determinations requiring quantum entanglement, including in any of
the foregoing examples, can depend upon a threshold value, e.g., a
security level threshold, a time delay threshold, a channel
capacity threshold, a link length and or number of nodes threshold,
and the like.
[0059] The QA 203a, having received a request for communication
between two nodes 201, and having determined that quantum
entanglement should be applied, determines a configuration of a
quantum channel for transporting one or more entangled objects,
e.g., photons. The configuration can be determined according to
predetermined parameters, such as maximum allowable link distances
to ensure reliable transport of the quantum entangled photon(s) to
intended destination(s). Preferences can be established to minimize
link distances and/or numbers of intermediate nodes. Configurations
can be determined according to availability of QENs 202 at a
source, a destination and/or any intermediate nodes. For systems in
which there may be more than one quantum source 205, configuration
can include identification of the one or more sources 205 and/or
link selection and/or network configurations between the one or
more sources 205, the source node, the destination node and/or any
intervening nodes.
[0060] In at least some configurations, quantum repeaters may be
available. To the extent they are, configurations may be selected
to employ the available quantum repeaters, and/or to avoid them
when possible, and/or to minimize their use in order to establish
and/or maintain a relatively low complexity and/or high reliability
of the quantum distribution.
[0061] FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of another quantum entanglement
distribution system 210 functioning within the communication
network of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described
herein. The system 210 includes a first processing node 211a and a
second processing node 211b. The first processing node 211a
includes a first QEN 212a and a first QA 213a. Likewise, the second
processing node 211b includes a second QEN 212b and a second QA
213b. The system 210 further includes a quantum entanglement source
215, adapted to generate a quantum entangled group of objects,
e.g., a qubit and/or a group of qubits. One or more members of the
quantum entangled group of objects can be physically transported to
one or more target locations via an entanglement distribution
system 216a. According to the illustrative example, the
entanglement distribution system 216a includes one or more quantum
channels, or links 217a, 217b, 217c, adapted to transport one or
more of the members of the quantum entangled group of objects. It
is understood that the entanglement distribution system 216a can
include at least one configurable element, such as a switch and/or
a router adapted to selectively control the distribution of the
quantum entangled group of objects. According to the illustrative
example, the entanglement distribution system 216a includes an
entanglement distribution network 216.
[0062] In general, the entanglement distribution network 216
facilitates distribution of one or more qubits from the qubit
source 215, to one or more of the quantum enabled nodes 212a, 212b
of the communications nodes 211. The entanglement distribution
network 216 can include one or more switches, routers, and/or other
configurable network elements adapted to establish quantum channel
links. Depending upon a configuration of the entanglement
distribution network 216, one or more of the quantum entangled
group of objects can be selectively directed to one or more
locations, such as the first processing node 211a, the second
processing node 211b, or both the first and second processing nodes
211a, 211b, via one or more of the quantum channels 217a, 217b,
217c, generally 217.
[0063] The first and second quantum agents 213a, 213b can be in
communication with each other via a classical communications
channel or network 219, i.e., not relying upon qubits or
entanglement sharing. At least one of the first or second quantum
agents 213a, 213b is in communication with the controller 214. In
at least some embodiments, communications between the quantum agent
213 and the controller 214 may be accommodated via a classical
communications channel 219 or network, i.e., not relying upon
qubits or entanglement sharing. According to the illustrative
embodiment, the controller 214 can communicate with the quantum
distribution network 216 via the classical communications network
219, e.g., foregoing the need for a separate and/or independent
quantum channel signaling network.
[0064] Any of the elements, such as the QAs, 213, the controller
214, and/or the QENs 212 can be preconfigured with a list of QENs
212, such as a list of QENs 212 accessible by the quantum
distribution network 216, connectivity tables, logic and/or
policies adapted to implement, control and/or otherwise manage
quantum entanglement distribution, e.g., as disclosed in reference
to FIG. 2A.
[0065] FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of another quantum entanglement
distribution system functioning within the communication network of
FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein. The
system 220 includes a first processing node 221a and a second
processing node 221b. The first processing node 221a includes a
first QEN 222a and a first QA 223a. Likewise, the second processing
node 221b includes a second QEN 222b and a second QA 223b. The
system 220 further includes a quantum entanglement source 225,
adapted to generate a quantum entangled group of objects, e.g., a
qubit and/or a group of qubits. One or more members of the quantum
entangled group of objects can be physically transported to one or
more target locations via an entanglement distribution system 226a.
According to the illustrative example, the entanglement
distribution system 226a includes one or more quantum channels, or
links 227a, 227b, 227c, adapted to transport one or more of the
members of the quantum entangled group of objects. It is understood
that the entanglement distribution system 226a can include at least
one configurable element, such as a switch and/or a router adapted
to selectively control the distribution of the quantum entangled
group of objects. According to the illustrative example, the
entanglement distribution system 226a includes an entanglement
distribution network 226.
[0066] In general, the entanglement distribution network 226
facilitates distribution of one or more qubits from the qubit
source 225, to one or more of the quantum enabled nodes 222a, 222b
of the communications nodes 221. The entanglement distribution
network 226 can include one or more switches, routers, and/or other
configurable network elements adapted to establish quantum channel
links. Depending upon a configuration of the entanglement
distribution network 226, one or more of the quantum entangled
group of objects can be selectively directed to one or more
locations, such as the first processing node 221a, the second
processing node 221b, or both the first and second processing nodes
221a, 221b, via one or more of the quantum channels 227a, 227b,
227c, generally 227.
[0067] The first and second quantum agents 223a, 223b can be in
communication with each other via a classical communications
channel or network 229, i.e., not relying upon qubits or
entanglement sharing. At least one of the first or second quantum
agents 223a, 223b is in communication with the controller 224. In
at least some embodiments, communications between the quantum agent
223 and the controller 224 may be accommodated via a classical
communications channel or network, i.e., not relying upon qubits or
entanglement sharing. According to the illustrative embodiment, the
controller 224 can communicate with the quantum distribution
network 226 via the quantum links 227, e.g., also foregoing the
need for a separate and/or independent quantum channel signaling
network. For applications in which the quantum links include fiber
optic links, the signaling information can be communicated over the
quantum link 227 via a classical communication channel, e.g.,
independent from transport of a quantum entangled photon over the
same link.
[0068] Any of the elements, such as the QAs, 223, the controller
224, and/or the QENs 222 can be preconfigured with a list of QENs
222, such as a list of QENs 222 accessible by the quantum
distribution network 226, connectivity tables, logic and/or
policies adapted to implement, control and/or otherwise manage
quantum entanglement distribution, e.g., as disclosed in reference
to FIG. 2A.
[0069] FIG. 2D is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of another quantum entanglement
distribution system functioning within the communication network of
FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein. The
system 230 includes a first processing node 231a and a second
processing node 231b. The first processing node 231a includes a
first QEN 232a and a first QA 233a. Likewise, the second processing
node 231b includes a second QEN 232b and a second QA 233b. The
system 230 further includes a quantum entanglement source 235,
adapted to generate a quantum entangled group of objects, e.g., a
qubit and/or a group of qubits. One or more members of the quantum
entangled group of objects can be physically transported to one or
more target locations via an entanglement distribution system 236a.
According to the illustrative example, the entanglement
distribution system 236a includes one or more quantum channels, or
links 237a, 237b, 237c, adapted to transport one or more of the
members of the quantum entangled group of objects. It is understood
that the entanglement distribution system 236a can include at least
one configurable element, such as a switch and/or a router adapted
to selectively control the distribution of the quantum entangled
group of objects. According to the illustrative example, the
entanglement distribution system 236a includes an entanglement
distribution network 236.
[0070] In general, the entanglement distribution network 236
facilitates distribution of one or more qubits from the qubit
source 235, to one or more of the quantum enabled nodes 232a, 232b
of the communications nodes 231. The entanglement distribution
network 236 can include one or more switches, routers, and/or other
configurable network elements adapted to establish quantum channel
links. Depending upon a configuration of the entanglement
distribution network 236, one or more of the quantum entangled
group of objects can be selectively directed to one or more
locations, such as the first processing node 231a, the second
processing node 231b, or both the first and second processing nodes
231a, 231b, via one or more of the quantum channels 237a, 237b,
237c, generally 237.
[0071] According to the illustrative embodiment, the QAs 233 can
exchange quantum state information via a classical channel
supported over one or more of the quantum links 237, e.g., also
foregoing the need for a separate and/or independent classical
communications channel. For applications in which the quantum links
include fiber optic links, the quantum state information can be
communicated over the quantum link 237 via a classical
communication channel, e.g., independent from transport of a
quantum entangled photon over the same link. The signaling
information can be communicated over a signaling network 238, via a
classical communication channel, e.g., independent from transport
of a quantum entangled photon and/or the classical communications
between QAs 233 over the quantum channel 237.
[0072] Any of the elements, such as the QAs, 233, the controller
234, and/or the QENs 232 can be preconfigured with a list of QENs
232, such as a list of QENs 232 accessible by the quantum
distribution network 226, connectivity tables, logic and/or
policies adapted to implement, control and/or otherwise manage
quantum entanglement distribution, e.g., as disclosed in reference
to FIG. 2A.
[0073] FIG. 2E is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of another quantum entanglement
distribution system functioning within the communication network of
FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein. The
system 240 includes a first processing node 241a and a second
processing node 241b. The first processing node 241a includes a
first QEN 242a and a first QA 243a. Likewise, the second processing
node 241b includes a second QEN 242b and a second QA 243b. The
system 240 further includes a quantum entanglement source 245,
adapted to generate a quantum entangled group of objects, e.g., a
qubit and/or a group of qubits. One or more members of the quantum
entangled group of objects can be physically transported to one or
more target locations via an entanglement distribution system 246a.
According to the illustrative example, the entanglement
distribution system 246a includes one or more quantum channels, or
links 247a, 247b, 247c, adapted to transport one or more of the
members of the quantum entangled group of objects. It is understood
that the entanglement distribution system 246a can include at least
one configurable element, such as a switch and/or a router adapted
to selectively control the distribution of the quantum entangled
group of objects. According to the illustrative example, the
entanglement distribution system 246a includes an entanglement
distribution network 246.
[0074] In general, the entanglement distribution network 246
facilitates distribution of one or more qubits from the qubit
source 245, to one or more of the quantum enabled nodes 242a, 242b
of the communications nodes 241. The entanglement distribution
network 246 can include one or more switches, routers, and/or other
configurable network elements adapted to establish quantum channel
links. Depending upon a configuration of the entanglement
distribution network 246, one or more of the quantum entangled
group of objects can be selectively directed to one or more
locations, such as the first processing node 241a, the second
processing node 241b, or both the first and second processing nodes
241a, 241b, via one or more of the quantum channels 247a, 247b,
247c, generally 247.
[0075] According to the illustrative embodiment, the QAs 243 can
exchange quantum state information via a classical channel over one
or more of the quantum links 247, e.g., also foregoing the need for
a separate and/or independent classical communications channel. For
applications in which the quantum links include fiber optic links,
the quantum state information can be communicated over the quantum
link 247 via a classical communication channel, e.g., independent
from transport of a quantum entangled photon over the same link.
Likewise, the controller 244 can communicate with the quantum
distribution network 246 via a classical channel over the quantum
link 247, e.g., foregoing the need for a separate and/or
independent quantum channel signaling network.
[0076] Any of the elements, such as the QAs, 243, the controller
244, and/or the QENs 242 can be preconfigured with a list of QENs
242, such as a list of QENs 242 accessible by the quantum
distribution network 246, connectivity tables, logic and/or
policies adapted to implement, control and/or otherwise manage
quantum entanglement distribution, e.g., as disclosed in reference
to FIG. 2A.
[0077] FIG. 2F is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of yet another quantum entanglement
distribution system 250 functioning within the communication
network of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described
herein. The system 250 includes a first communication node 251 and
a second communication node 252. The communication nodes 251, 252
are in communication with a core network, e.g., a mobility core
network, or core cloud 253, via a hub communication node 254. The
core cloud 253 can include one or more components grouped according
to their supported functionalities, such as a mobile core 255a, an
IP backbone 255b, a video distribution core 255c, one or more
single video sources 255d, an IMS voice core 255e, etc. The
communication nodes 251, 252 and hub node 254 can include one or
more of a radio processing (RP) subsystem, 256, 256', an
augmentation subsystem 257, 257', 257'' and a switch subsystem 258,
258', 258''.
[0078] The first communication node 251 is in communication with
one or more remote radio frequency (RF) sites 259a, 259b, which, in
turn, can be in communication with one or more wireless, e.g.,
mobile communication devices 262, such as mobile phones, tablet
devices, laptop devices, machines, e.g., according to
machine-to-machine (M2M), or machine-type communications in an
Internet of Things (IoT) application, and the like, via radio
access networks (RANs), e.g., according to 3G, 4G 5G
standards/applications, and the like, wireless access points, e.g.,
according to wireless network standards/applications, such as IEEE
802.11 wireless networks. Likewise, the second communication node
252 is in communication with one or more remote radio frequency
(RF) sites 260a, 260b, which, in turn, can be in communication with
one or more wireless, e.g., mobile communication devices via radio
access networks (RANs). According to the illustrative example, the
second communication node 252 is in further communication with a
wireline site 261, such as a household, a business, a public
facility, and so on, which can be in communication with one or more
communication devices 263, including any of the example devices
disclosed herein or otherwise known to those skilled in the art.
The wireline site 261 can be in communication with the second
communication node 252 via any suitable communication network, such
as cable, optical fiber, twisted pair, e.g., DSL.
[0079] The quantum entanglement distribution system 250 includes a
quantum controller 264, a quantum source, e.g., qubit source 265,
and a quantum control network 266. The quantum controller is
adapted to configure one or more of the quantum control network 266
and the quantum source 265 to generate quantum entangled objects,
e.g., photons and to distribute them to one or more communication
nodes 251, 253, 254 via quantum channels, all responsive to a
request to establish entanglement between at least two
predetermined communication nodes 251, 252, 254.
[0080] Any of the elements, such as the QAs, 253, the controller
254, and/or the QENs 272 can be preconfigured with a list of QENs
272, such as a list of QENs 272 accessible by the quantum
distribution network, connectivity tables, logic and/or policies
adapted to implement, control and/or otherwise manage quantum
entanglement distribution, e.g., as disclosed in reference to FIG.
2A.
[0081] According to the illustrative example that uses photons as
entanglement objects, the quantum source 265 includes a laser,
e.g., a pump laser 267, and a qubit source, e.g., an EPR source
268. The pump laser 267 and the EPR source 268 cooperate, at a
request of the quantum controller 264, to generate at least one
quantum entangled pair of photons. According to the illustrative
example, a first entangled pair includes a first entangled photon
270a and a second entangled photon 270b. Likewise, a second
entangled pair of photons includes a first entangled photon 271a
and a second entangled photon 271b.
[0082] The qubit source 265 can be configured to generate single
photons or single entangled photon pairs. Alternatively or in
addition, the qubit source 265 can be configured to generate groups
of photons to obtain groups of photon pairs. Timing can be
important in quantum applications, e.g., quantum teleportation,
Bell state measurements, and the like, such that Bell state
measurements can be performed on members of the same entangled pair
or group of entangled qubits. Timing can be managed in one or more
ways. For example, pulsed sources can send out photons in discrete
bunches. For at least some applications, such as entanglement
swapping, pulsed sources can be synchronized to emit the photon
bunches at a precise time. Alternatively or in addition, continuous
photon sources can be used to alleviate at least some of the timing
requirements. For continuous sources, photons with a proper timing
can be obtained not when they are emitted, but when they are later
detected, e.g., by separate detectors. A detectors' temporal
resolution (the precision of its measurements with respect to time)
can allow photons that were emitted at a particular time to be post
selected.
[0083] In at least some embodiments, the system 250 includes a
multiplexer, such as a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM).
Example WDMs include coarse WDM (CWDM), e.g., with channel spacing
of about 20 nm, and dense WDM (DWDM), e.g., with a finer channel
spacing. Data signals, e.g., entangled photons generated according
to different wavelengths, can be combined together into a
multi-wavelength optical signal using such an optical multiplexer,
for transmission over a single fiber. Accordingly, a single optical
fiber can be adapted to simultaneously support multiple quantum
channel, each operating at a different wavelength. If the first
entangled pair of photons 270a, 270b, generally 270, is generated
according to a first wavelength and the second entangled pair of
photons 271a, 271b, generally 271 is generated according to a
second wavelength different from the first, then both pair 270, 271
may be distributed simultaneously along the same quantum channel or
fiber, according to an optical multiplexing of the WDM 269.
[0084] The first communication node 251 includes a first quantum
enabled node (QEN) 272a. Likewise, the second and third
communication nodes 252, 254 include respective QENs 272c, 272e.
Other communication nodes, such as may be contained in the core
cloud 253 and/or in one or more point-of-presence (POP) optical
nodes 276, also include QENs 272b, 272c, 272e. According to the
illustrative embodiment, the POP optical node 276 can include more
than one QEN 272b, 272d, to support multiple quantum channels
simultaneously. It is understood that in at least some embodiments,
the POP optical node 276 can include a WDM (not shown) to
facilitate simultaneous quantum channels along a common fiber,
operating at different wavelengths.
[0085] Each of the QENs 272a, 272b, 272c, 272d, 272e, 272f,
generally 272, is associated with a respective quantum agent (QA)
273a, 273b, 273c, 273d, 273e, 273f, generally 273. The QAs 273 are
adapted to implement functionality that supports distribution
and/or applications involving quantum entanglement, such as
entanglement distribution, qubit measurements, qubit storage,
quantum teleportation, quantum encryption, quantum computing, and
the like. Accordingly, the QAs 273 are in communication with their
respective QENs 272. In at least some embodiments, one or more of
the QAs 273 are in further communication with one or more of the
quantum controller 264, the quantum control network 266, the qubit
source 265 and/or one or more other QAs 273. Communications between
the QAs 273 and one or more of the other elements 264, 265, 266,
273 can be accomplished via classical communication channels, e.g.,
using available communication resources, such as those present in
the communication nodes 251, 252, 254. According to the
illustrative example, one or more of the communication nodes 251,
252, 254 are in communication via a network 275, such as a backhaul
network of a mobile carrier service, e.g., a 5G service, a fiber
ring, the Internet, or any other public and/or private network
alone or in combination.
[0086] The quantum entanglement distribution system 250 establishes
quantum entanglement distribution for a quantum channel. Like any
other network, such as IP network, one or more of the QA nodes 273,
the QENs 272 and the EPR node 265 can be pre-provisioned with
pre-built logic, including the entanglement distribution tables. In
general, for quantum communication applications, two channels are
provided between the source and the destination: a quantum link, or
quantum channel, and a classical link or classical channel. The
quantum channel is adapted to transport entangled photons according
to a predetermined destination and along a determined path, without
disturbing the quantum information of the transported particles,
e.g., photons.
[0087] Described below is an example message flow for the
illustrative quantum entanglement distribution system 250. Upon
receiving an incoming connection request at the first communication
node 251, e.g., from a radio interface of the RAN of an RF site
259, a QA 273a associated with the communication node 251
determines that a quantum connection is required for associated
traffic with a remote node, e.g., the POP node 276. Based on a
pre-determined logic and/or policy, the first QA 273a notifies a
default master EPR source node 265 that a qubits generation is
required, and that the an entanglement distribution of the
entangled qubits is required between a source QEN 202a of the first
communication node 251 and a destination QEN of the destination
node 276. The EPR node 265 generates the entangled qubits 271a,
271b and sends a qubit 271a of the entangled qubits 271 to the
source QEN 272a and a second qubit 272b of the entangled qubit pair
271 to the destination QEN 272b. Although the EPR generation node
265 is illustrated as a separate and independent node, requiring a
quantum channel between itself and both endpoint QENs 272a, 272b,
it is understood that in at least some embodiments, the EPR
generation node 265 can be collocated with the QEN 272a of the
source communication node 251. For example, in an initial
deployment of this feature, e.g., with a limited number of possible
quantum channels or links, such a collocated source can be used in
an effort to keep the cost and/or complexity down.
[0088] Now the entangled link (that is quantum channel) has been
established between the source QEN and the destination QEN. The
classical channel could be using the same path or any other path
and this could be business as usual. The destination QEN will wait
for the data (quantum state status) from the source QEN via the
classical channel.
[0089] The illustrative architecture of the example quantum
entanglement distribution system 250 can be employed in a fiber
optic network, such as a, so-called, deep fiber optical network
architecture that extends from a centralized network, such as a
mobile carrier backbone network, proximate to one or more wireless
access points, e.g., to residences, office buildings, public
facilities, such as airports, parks, and government buildings,
commercial facilities, such as stores, shopping centers and the
like, schools and other educational institutions, and so on, for
entanglement distribution. For applications including free space
optical channels, it is envisioned that the deep-fiber concept can
be extend to untethered access points, such as vehicles, e.g.,
airplanes, trains, ships, trucking, automobiles, satellites, and
the like.
[0090] According to the present disclosure, a typical
telecommunication infrastructure by employing a local QA in each
QEN, e.g., off of the (metropolitan) optical fiber network, that
manages the interaction with a single source of EPR (qubits
generation) node in order to create entangled link between source
and destination nodes. Based on the instruction of the QA of the
source quantum enabled node, EPR source node creates the entangled
qubits (photons) and distributes them among the two quantum enabled
remotes nodes interfacing with the fiber ring (such as the deep
fiber supporting a RAN (5G). The architecture allows simultaneous
transmission of classical and quantum signals for the classical and
quantum channels respectively in the fiber network and provides a
local QA enabled simple routing mechanism to serve the entire deep
fiber vicinity.
[0091] FIG. 2G is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a communication network 300 including a
quantum entanglement distribution system in accordance with various
aspects described herein. The example communication network 300
operates in a service provider-subscriber scenario, providing
communication connectivity between service provider resources,
e.g., a cable headend 302 and end-user devices 304. End-user
devices can include, without limitation, network-enabled premises
equipment, such as mobile devices, home theater devices, e.g.,
smart TVs, computers, gaming systems, residential gateways, LANs,
and appliances, such as motion sensors, lighting, security systems,
heating/air conditioning, garage door openers, and the like. Media
content, such as multicast and/or broadcast content and/or data can
be provided via one or more first communication links 308 from a
centralized cable headend 302 to one or more regional and/or local
nodes, such as the example hub nodes 306a, 306b, generally 306.
[0092] Example media content can include broadcast media, such as
pre-programmed television channels, cable television line-ups,
and/or streaming media, including video and/or audio. For example,
media content, such as video channels, network TV channels, gaming
content, immersive video, e.g., augmented reality and/or virtual
reality, and the like can be received at the cable headend 302 via
one or more downstream links 310, 311. Cable lineups and the like
can be assembled, e.g., combining content obtained at the headend
from different downstream links 310, 311 and in at least some
instances, inserting or otherwise integrating supplemental content,
such as commercial advertisements. By way of example, the second
communication link 312 can include a first portion that transports
downstream video content 314a, a second portion that transports
downstream data 314b, e.g., traffic destined for a cable modem from
the Internet, and a third portion that transports upstream data
314c, e.g., traffic destined for the Internet from cable modems,
the upstream traffic originating at customer premises 316 and/or
end-user devices 304.
[0093] The example headend 302 includes
converged-cable-access-platform (CCAP) core 320, adapted to
assemble media content for distribution to the one or more hub
nodes 306, which in turn can modify the received content, e.g.,
inserting local programming, such as local television and/or cable
channels, local advertisements, and the like, before distribution
to subscriber equipment, e.g., the end-user devices 304 via one or
more second communication links 312. The example CCAP core 320
includes a cable modem termination system (CMTS) 322, which
provides high-speed data services, such as cable Internet or Voice
over Internet Protocol (VoIP), to cable subscribers. In some
embodiments, the CMTS 322 one or more of an Ethernet interface, a
high-speed data interface, e.g., SONET, or an RF interface, e.g.,
to communicate with subscriber cable modems via the cable company's
hybrid fiber coax (HFC) system 325. Traffic coming from an upstream
source, e.g., via an Internet connection at the headend 302, can be
routed (and/or bridged) through an Ethernet interface of the CMTS
322 and then onto one or more fiber and/or RF interfaces that are
connected to the HFC system 325. The example CCAP core 320 further
includes an edge QAM (EQAM) 324 as an example physical-layer (PHY)
downstream component supporting digital television or cable
channels. The CCAP core 320 can communication with remote
physical-layer (PHY) equipment 318 at the one or more hub nodes 306
via the one or more first communication links 308, which can
include downstream video, downstream data and/or upstream data,
e.g., according to Layer 2 protocols, such as Ethernet links,
L2TPv3 tunnels, high-speed data interfaces, such as SONET, RF
interfaces, and the like.
[0094] The hub-node physical-layer equipment 318 can communicate
with downstream equipment, such as one or more of cable modems,
channel equipment, residential gateways, other hub nodes, end-user
devices, and so on. According to the example system, the hub-node,
physical-layer equipment 318 communicates with the downstream
equipment and/or devices via a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC)
infrastructure 325, using coaxial cable links 326a, 326b, generally
326, fiber links, or a combination thereof. Data exchange over the
HFC infrastructure 325 can terminate at one or more customer
premises cable modems 328a, 328b, generally 328. According to the
illustrative example, the cable modems operate according to a Data
Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), e.g., versions
1.0 through 4.0--an international telecommunications standard that
permits the addition of high-bandwidth data transfer to an existing
cable television system.
[0095] The example communication network 300 also includes quantum
enabled elements adapted to establish and/or otherwise support an
exchange and/or processing of information according to
manipulations and/or measurements of quantum states of objects.
According to the illustrative embodiments provide herein, and
without limitation, the objects can include photons, and the
quantum states of the photons can include one or more of
polarization, spin, or orbital angular momentum. As disclosed
herein, pairs of photons, or more generally groups of photons, can
be generated and/or otherwise manipulated into an entangled state
in which a measurement performed upon one member of the entangled
group induces an immediate effect on other members of the group,
regardless of their physical separation. The example network 300
includes one or more quantum enabled modules or nodes that are
adapted to perform one or more of generation of entangled objects,
transmission and/or reception of entangled objects, measurements
associated with quantum states of the entangled objects, storage of
the entangled objects, processing of the entangled objects, e.g.,
according to quantum logical gates, and the like.
[0096] According to the illustrative example, the CCAP core 320 of
the headend 302 includes, and/or is associated with, a first
quantum enabled node (QN_1) 330a, the physical-layer equipment 318
of the hub node 306a includes, and/or is associated with, a second
quantum enabled node (QN_2) 330b, the cable modem 328a includes,
and/or is associated with, a third quantum enabled node (QN_3) 330c
and the headend itself includes, and/or is associated with, a
fourth quantum enabled node (QN_4) 330d. Each of the quantum
enabled nodes 330a-330d, generally 330, is in communication with
one or more other devices, such as one or more of the other quantum
enabled nodes 330. Communications between quantum enabled nodes can
be supported by one or more quantum links or channels adapted for
transporting one or more quantum entangled objects. The quantum
links or channels can be selected, configure and/or otherwise
established, such that transportation of quantum entangled objects
over the quantum links or channels can be accomplished without
destroying or otherwise disturbing quantum entanglement of the
transported object. For applications in which the objects are
photons, the quantum channels can include optical fiber and/or
free-space links or channels.
[0097] In addition to the quantum links or channels involving the
quantum enabled nodes 330, the network 300 also provides one or
more classical, or traditional communication channels, such that
each of the quantum enabled nodes 330 can be in simultaneous, or
overlapping, communication with one or more other devices, e.g.,
other quantum enabled nodes 330, via a quantum channel and a
classical channel. In some embodiments, the quantum channel is
physically separate and distinct from the classical communication
channel. Alternatively or in addition, one portion of the quantum
channel can be separate, while another portion can share a physical
transport means supporting the classical channel. In at least some
embodiments, the quantum channel and the classical communication
channel can be supported by the same physical transport means,
e.g., optical fiber and/or free space.
[0098] The classical communication channel is adapted to share
information related to one or more of a quantum state of a quantum
entangled object, a measurement performed upon the quantum
entangled object, or more generally, any information related to the
quantum entangled object; whereas, the quantum channel supports
transport of a quantum entangled object. At least some quantum
services, such as quantum teleportation, rely upon both a
transportation of the entangled object via the quantum channel and
a sharing of entanglement information coincident with the
established entanglement between nodes. It is understood that if
either of the quantum or classical channels are compromised,
success of the quantum operation, e.g., quantum teleportation, can
be jeopardized.
[0099] In at least some embodiments, the network 300 includes a
quantum service controller 332 adapted to facilitate establishment
of one or more of the quantum channel or the classical channel in
support of a quantum operation. The quantum service controller 332
can be in communication with a signaling network 334 in
communication with the one or more quantum enabled nodes 330. The
quantum service controller 332 can be configured with network
information, including information related to the quantum enabled
nodes 330, such as one or more of their identities, e.g., network
addresses, their locations, accessible supporting communication
infrastructure, e.g., optical fibers, WDMs, add/drop multiplexers,
free space optical channels, related operating wavelengths, power
levels, owners, operators, their proximity to other systems or
devices, such as to the headend 301, the CCPA core 320, the hub
node 306a and/or the residential cable modem 328a. Other
information can include current utilization data, such as quantum
entanglement participation and/or status of individual quantum
enable nodes 330 and/or groups of nodes 330, existing and/or
previously used quantum channels, performance data, such as present
and/or past success rates and/or failure rates, e.g., error rates,
signal to noise ratios, congestion, capacity, cable and/or free
space attenuation, dispersion, interference, and the like.
Alternatively or in addition, the information can include a quantum
service provider identifier, applicable cost and/or rates, and so
on.
[0100] The quantum service controller 332 can be adapted to respond
to request for quantum services, by facilitating a provisioning
and/or configuration of supporting infrastructure, such as
activation and/or engagement of quantum enabled nodes 330,
identification and/or establishment of switching and/or routing
paths, and the like. In at least some embodiments, it is envisioned
that more than one quantum channel may be available or otherwise
configurable between two or more quantum enable nodes 330. For
example, a first quantum channel may be supportable between two
quantum enabled nodes 330 via existing fiber optic infrastructure,
e.g., a fiber ring of a metropolitan fiber network and/or a fiber
channel of the HFC infrastructure 325. Alternatively or in
addition, a second quantum channel may be supportable between the
same two quantum enabled nodes 330 via a free space infrastructure,
such as a free space terrestrial communication infrastructure
and/or free space satellite communication infrastructure.
[0101] The quantum service controller 332 can be configured to
implement logic and/or policies adapted to identify one or more
quantum channels for supporting a quantum service, e.g., quantum
teleportation, between at least two quantum enabled nodes 330,
e.g., a source node and a destination node. In at least some
embodiments, identification of the quantum channels can include
identification of more than one available quantum channels between
the source and destination. The more than one available quantum
channels can include different network paths, e.g., different
routes. The different network paths or routes can include the same
type of infrastructure, e.g., fiber optic networks. For example, a
first route may include a single fiber optic link between the
source and destination, e.g., without a repeater, whereas, a second
route may include a quantum repeater. Alternatively or in addition,
the different network paths or routes can include different types
of infrastructures. For example, a first route may include a fiber
optic link between the source and destination, whereas, a second
route may include a free space optical link, such as a satellite
link.
[0102] One of the more than one available channels can be selected
by the controller 332 based upon selection criteria. It is
understood that the different paths may include different path
lengths, power levels, interference, utilization, policy
restrictions, e.g., being reserved for certain classes of
communications and/or using entities, e.g., subscribers. Selection
criteria can include, without limitation, performance criteria,
such as path loss, path distance, routing and/or switching
configuration, e.g., numbers and/or types of switched paths and/or
routed segments. It is understood that physical constraints
generally limit propagation distances to a maximum distance, beyond
which reliable transport of quantum entangled objects, e.g.,
photons, cannot be assured. If the separation distance, e.g., fiber
optical cable distance, between the source and destination exceeds
such a maximum distance, network path including at least one
repeater may be necessary. Alternatively or in addition, selection
criteria can include applicable service level agreements (SLA),
quality of service (QoS) requirements and/or measurements, cost,
e.g., metered rates, lease rates, access rates, communication
service providers, data sensitivity, security requirements, user
preferences, subscription levels, and so on.
[0103] According to the illustrative example, the controller 332
selects and/or configures a quantum channel 336 between the first
quantum enabled node QN_1 330a located at the headend 302 and the
third quantum enabled node QN_3 330c located at the subscriber end
of the HFC infrastructure or network 325, e.g., at the cable modem
328a. The quantum channel 336 is established via an intermediate
node, in this instance, a satellite 338. Accordingly, the quantum
channel 336 includes a first satellite link segment or hop 340a
between the first quantum enabled node QN_1 330a and the satellite
338 and a second satellite link segment or hop 340b between the
satellite 338 and the third quantum enabled node QN_3 330c. In at
least some embodiments, the satellite 338 can include a quantum
repeater 342. The quantum repeater 342 can be configured to perform
an entanglement swapping operation or service, e.g., in which
another group of quantum entangled objects, such as another pair of
entangled photons, is introduced to extend quantum entanglement
between the end nodes 330a, 330c.
[0104] In some embodiments, the satellite 338 includes a
directional control that permits the satellite 338 to aim a beam of
quantum entangled particles towards one or more selected nodes
330a, 330c of a land network, such as the example HFC network 325.
In some embodiments, the satellite 338 can include one or more free
space quantum transmitters 349, with each being capable of being
independently directed, e.g., aimed, to provide a beam of quantum
particles to different ones of the nodes 330a, 330c. For example,
the free space quantum transmitter 349 can distribute encryption
key symbols to one or more land network nodes 330 via a free space
link. It is understood that the satellite 338 may include a
processing unit, a memory, an input device, an output device, a
free space quantum transmitter 349, an RF transceiver and a bus.
Although a satellite is disclosed as a quantum repeater node, it is
envisioned that other devices, such as other terrestrial nodes can
provide a quantum repeater function alone or in combination with
the satellite 338.
[0105] The free-space quantum transmitter 349 may include a quantum
source, a quantum modulator and an optional quantum beam
directional control unit. The quantum source may emit quantum
particles, such as, for example, photons. In at least some
embodiments, the quantum source may include a photon source such
as, for example, a laser. The quantum modulator can modulate a
state of each quantum particle emitted by quantum source to encode
each quantum particle with information, such as an encryption key
symbol value. In at least some embodiments, the quantum modulator
can modulate a phase and/or polarization and/or energy of emitted
photons. For example, the quantum modulator may include a
Mach-Zehnder interferometer that may modulate the phase of emitted
photons to encode each photon with a symbol value, e.g., an
encryption key value.
[0106] In at least some embodiments, such an extended range quantum
entanglement architecture can be configured according to nested
entanglement swapping. For example, an extended range quantum
entanglement link or channel can be configured or otherwise
established by combining, joining, interconnecting, and/or
otherwise splicing together shorter-distance quantum links. The
shorter links can be adapted to transport quantum entangled
objects, e.g., photons, resulting in an overall longer-distance
entanglement. This facilitates quantum entanglement between nodes
separated by distances beyond that which would otherwise be
achievable using a simple, point-to-point link. Such longer
distance links can be accomplished with "n" steps for "2n" hops of
comparable quality.
[0107] Information based on a quantum state of a quantum entangled
pair of photons shared via the quantum channel 336 is likewise
shared according to a classical communication channel. According to
the illustrative example, a classical communication channel 344 is
established between the source and destination nodes 330a, 330c via
the first communication links 308 between the centralized cable
headend 302 and the hub node 306, and via the HFC network 325. The
controller 332 can be adapted to select and/or configure the
classical communication channel 344. For example, in some
embodiments, the controller 332 can apply similar logic and/or
policies to identify, establish or otherwise configure the
classical channel 334. Alternatively or in addition, the controller
332 can apply different logic and/or policies to identify,
establish or otherwise configure the classical channel 334. For
example, classical channels might not be constrained by a maximum
photon decay length, as amplification can be applied without
concern as to maintaining quantum entanglement of photons used in
the classical channel.
[0108] The process of entanglement swapping, can be considered as a
splicing together of two relatively short-distance entangled pairs
of photons, e.g., Bell pairs, into one longer-distance Bell pair.
Quantum swapping can be considered as a form of teleportation,
e.g., it can be viewed as using a first Bell pair established
between the first quantum enabled node QN_1 330a and the satellite
338, via the first hop 340a, to teleport quantum information, e.g.,
a qubit to the third quantum enabled node QN_3 330c. Related
information can be exchanged between the two ends 330a, 330c of the
quantum channel 336 and/or between either or both ends 330a, 330c
and the satellite 338 via a traditional or classical channel.
Accordingly, each quantum entanglement swapping operation step can
increase, e.g., double, the span of or a single entangled Bell
pair.
[0109] Continuing with the illustrative example, a first message is
received at the headend 203, e.g., at the CCAP core 320. The
message may be received via the CMTS 322, via the EQAM 324, and/or
via any other means at the headend 320. In some examples, the
message might originate at the headend 302, e.g., from a local
operation and/or maintenance system and/or terminal. Upon receiving
the message, the first quantum enabled node QN_1 330a can performs
table lookup, e.g., according to a native table pre-populated by a
software defined network (SDN) 346. Depending upon results of the
table lookup, the quantum enabled node QN_1 330a initiates a
quantum entanglement path selection. In at least some embodiments,
the quantum enabled node QN_1 330a generates quantum entangled
group of objects, e.g., a Bell pair. After generating the Bell
pair, the satellite 338 is contacted in anticipation of its
participation in a quantum channel. For example, a message, e.g., a
request and/or a configuration message, can be sent to the
satellite 338 providing notification that a quantum entanglement
swapping operation will be required. In at least some embodiments,
the message identifies one or more of a source quantum enabled node
and a destination quantum enabled node. It is understood that in at
least some applications, the quantum channel is bi-directional,
such that quantum entanglement swapping can be performed according
to Bell pairs originating at either, or both nodes.
[0110] In response to the request, the satellite 338 establishes a
quantum connection with the second quantum enabled node QN_3 330c,
e.g., using a Bell pair. In at least some embodiments, the Bell
pair can be generated at the satellite 338. Having access to the
entanglement swapping is performed at s (satellite) to establish
E2E virtual Quantum link between QN1 and QN2.
[0111] In at least some embodiments, the system 300 includes a
software defined network (SDN) architecture 345. According to at
least some embodiments of an SDN architecture 345, a control plane
of the network 300 can be separate from a data forwarding plane, so
as to control underlying hardware in a programmable manner, e.g.,
by using a software platform on a centralized SDN controller 346
that controls or orchestrates a commissioning, a decommissioning
and/or a distribution of network resources in a responsive manner
according to requirements.
[0112] According to the SDN network architecture 345, a network
device may only be responsible for data forwarding, for example,
using commodity hardware. An operating system that is originally
responsible for control can be promoted to an independent network
operating system, and is responsible for adapting to different
service features. Alternatively or addition, communication among
the network operating system, one or more of a service feature or a
hardware device can be implemented through programming.
[0113] In at least some embodiments, a forwarding plane includes a
controlled forwarding device, and a control application that
controls forwarding manner and service logic that run on the
control plane separated from the forwarding plane. In some
embodiments, the SDN architecture 345 can provide an open
programmable interface for the control plane. This allows the
control application to focus on logic of the control application,
without necessarily having to focus on more underlying
implementation details. The SDN controller 346 can implement a
logically centralized control plane that can control one or more
forwarding plane devices that can, in at least some instances,
control an entire physical network, so that a global network status
view can be obtained, and optimized control can be implemented for
the network based on the global network status view.
[0114] In at least some embodiments, the control unit 346 can
orchestrate data plane resources, e.g., maintaining a network
topology and status information, and the like. In at least some
embodiments, the control unite 346 can be responsible for data
processing and forwarding and status collection based on a flow
table. According to SDN techniques, the SDN architecture 346 can
provide device resource virtualization and/or programmable
commodity hardware and software. The supporting SDN hardware can
focus on forwarding and storage capabilities, e.g., including
quantum services, allowing the particular devices to be decoupled
from a service feature. In the SDN architecture 345, intelligence
of at least the quantum enabled services of the network 300 can be
implemented by software, e.g., quantum agents, alone or in
combination with quantum enabled nodes. The SDN architecture 345
allows the network 300 to respond to a quantum enabled service
request more quickly, such that various services can be flexibly
added, deleted, and/or customized, so that various network
parameters can be customized and configured in the network in real
time, and a time for opening a specific service is shortened.
[0115] In addition to the SDN architecture 345, a centralized
management and control network may be another same or similar
network, for example, a transport network, a router network, an
access network, or a wireless network that is based on a unified
network management and control system. A centralized controller in
the embodiments of this application can be an apparatus in the
centralized management and control network, for example, may be an
SDN controller 346 in the SDN architecture, and/or the quantum
service controller 332 and/or or may be a network management server
in the HFC network 325, transport network, the router network, the
access network, or the wireless network
[0116] FIG. 2H depicts an illustrative embodiment of a process 280
in accordance with various aspects described herein. A processing
request is received at 281. The processing request can be received,
e.g., by a QA and or a quantum entanglement controller. The
processing request can identify one or more of a source node, e.g.,
a first communication node of a communication link, a processing
node of a processing link, and the like, sometimes referred to
herein as a source node. For requests received at a QA of the
source node, identification of the source node can be determined by
the association of the QA with the source node, e.g., inference.
For requests requiring processing on one or more other nodes, the
request may identify one or more of the one or more other nodes.
For example, a request for communication between a source node and
destination node may identify the destination node. For
applications in which communications between the source and
destination include one or more intermediate nodes, the
intermediate nodes may be included or otherwise identified within
the request. In at least some embodiments the need and/or
identification of intermediate nodes need not be identified within
the request, e.g., being determined by another entity, such as the
quantum entanglement controller, a quantum network and/or link.
[0117] It is understood that in at least some embodiments, the
request does not indicate or otherwise identify any requirement for
quantum entanglement. In this regard, an evaluation can be
performed at 282 to determine whether the request is associated
with quantum entanglement requirements. For example, quantum
entanglement requirements can depend upon one or more of a source
node identity and/or location, a destination node identity and/or
location, an information source, e.g., sending user and/or
destination, e.g., recipient user, sensitivity of the information
to be processed, e.g., communicated, historical information
obtained from previous processing requests, the quantity of
information to be processed, time sensitivity of the processing,
network status, e.g., traffic congestion, message delays,
interference, capacity, and so on. In at least some embodiments,
the request itself may identify that quantum entanglement is
necessary, preferred and/or unnecessary, as the case may be.
[0118] A determination is made at 283 as to the existence of any
quantum entanglement requirements for the requested connection,
e.g., according to the results of the evaluation performed at 282.
The evaluation at 282 and/or the determination at 283 can be
performed according to pre-configured logic, policies and/or
programming at one or more of the QA of the source node, a quantum
entanglement controller, or a QA of another node, or in a
distributed manner across different QAs and/or one or more QAs and
the quantum entanglement controller.
[0119] To the extent it is determined at 283 that there are no
quantum entanglement requirements, the requested connection is
permitted at 284 to proceed via one or more classical communication
channels, e.g., telecommunication channels, computer network
channels, packet switched networks, circuit switched networks, the
Internet, local area networks, public networks private networks,
fiber optic networks, such as SONET, cable networks, satellite
networks, and the like. Establishment of one or more classical
communication channels can be provided at 285. For example, a
channel can be requested, configured and/or otherwise identified
according to one or more of the source and the destination. In at
least some embodiments, selection and/or establishment of a
particular classical channel may also depend upon one or more of a
source node identity and/or location, a destination node identity
and/or location, an information source, e.g., sending user and/or
destination, e.g., recipient user, sensitivity of the information
to be processed, e.g., communicated, historical information
obtained from previous processing requests, the quantity of
information to be processed, time sensitivity of the processing,
network status, e.g., traffic congestion, message delays,
interference, capacity, and so on.
[0120] To the extent it is determined at 283 that there do exist
quantum entanglement requirements, one or more QENs are identified
at 286. For example, a QEN of a processing node adapted to serve
the requested processing may include or otherwise be associated
with a QEN. Similarly, first and second QENs may be identified
according to a source node and a destination node of a requested
communication processing. It is envisioned that in at least some
instances, one or more intermediate nodes, e.g., between the source
and destination nodes, may be required.
[0121] In at least some embodiments, identification of the network
nodes at 286 can be performed according to pre-configured logic,
policies and/or programming at one or more of the QA of the source
node, a quantum entanglement controller, or a QA of another node,
or in a distributed manner across different QAs and/or one or more
QAs and the quantum entanglement controller. For example, a
determination of a processing node, such as a destination node of a
communication processing request may depend upon the destination
node having an associated QA and/or QEN. If an identified
destination node is not provided with quantum entanglement
capabilities, the request may be denied, and/or altered, e.g.,
according to the pre-configured logic or policies, to identify a
replacement processing node including quantum entanglement
capabilities. For example, a replacement node may be selected based
upon a physical proximity to the original node. To the extent that
intermediate nodes may be required, e.g., quantum repeaters,
identification of the network nodes at 286 can be adapted to
minimize complexity, e.g., by avoiding and/or minimizing a number
of network nodes, e.g., intermediate nodes, that may be
required.
[0122] Generation of one or more quantum entangled objects is
facilitated at 287. Generation of quantum entangled objects can
include any process or processes generally known to those skilled
in the art, such as the example photon entanglement sources
disclosed herein. Other examples of quantum entangled object
sources are provide in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/426,891,
filed on May 30, 2019 and entitled "System and Method for
Provisioning of Entangled-Photon Pairs" and Ser. No. 16/211,809,
filed on Dec. 6, 2018, and entitled "Free-Space, Twisted Light
Optical Communication System." All sections of the aforementioned
application(s) and patent(s) are incorporated herein by reference
in their entirety.
[0123] One or more quantum channels are configured at 287. Quantum
channels can include any communication channel or link adapted to
transport a quantum entangled object, such as an entangled photon,
without destroying or otherwise disturbing the entangled quantum
state of a transported quantum entangled object to render it
useless. Examples include selection of one or more point-to-point
fiber optic links, free-space optical links, e.g., between QENs
and/or between one or more QENs and a quantum entanglement source.
Alternatively or in addition, configuration can include configuring
one or more fiber optic networks, e.g., ring networks, star
networks, and/or mesh networks, including any of the examples
disclosed herein, equivalents, and the like, e.g., providing switch
control and/or signaling commands.
[0124] Transport of one or more quantum entangled objects via the
one or more configured quantum channels is facilitated at 287. For
example, a quantum entanglement source is configured to distribute
one entangled object, i.e., entangled photon, of a quantum
entangled group of objects to a QEN of a source node, and another
entangled object, i.e., photon, of the same quantum entangled group
of objects to another QEN of a destination node. For applications
involving intermediate nodes, e.g., quantum repeaters,
transportation can include providing one or more additional quantum
entangled objects to the intermediate node, e.g., repeater to
facilitate entanglement swapping to support extension of a quantum
enabled state between a source node and a destination node separate
by a distance greater than can be physically realized using a
single pair of quantum entangled objects, i.e., photons.
[0125] FIG. 2I depicts an illustrative embodiment of a process 350
in accordance with various aspects described herein. A request for
processing between two nodes is received at 351. The processing
request can be received, e.g., by a QA and or a quantum
entanglement controller. The processing request can identify one or
more of a source node, e.g., a first communication node of a
communication link, a processing node of a processing link, and the
like, sometimes referred to herein as a source node. For requests
received at a QA of the source node, identification of the source
node can be determined by the association of the QA with the source
node, e.g., inference. For requests requiring processing on one or
more other nodes, the request may identify one or more of the one
or more other nodes. For example, a request for communication
between a source node and destination node may identify the
destination node. For applications in which communications between
the source and destination include one or more intermediate nodes,
the intermediate nodes may be included or otherwise identified
within the request. In at least some embodiments the need and/or
identification of intermediate nodes need not be identified within
the request, e.g., being determined by another entity, such as the
quantum entanglement controller, a quantum network and/or link.
[0126] It is understood that in at least some embodiments, the
request does not indicate or otherwise identify any requirement for
quantum entanglement. In this regard, an evaluation can be
performed at 352 to determine whether the request is associated
with quantum entanglement requirements. For example, quantum
entanglement requirements can depend upon one or more of a source
node identity and/or location, a destination node identity and/or
location, an information source, e.g., sending user and/or
destination, e.g., recipient user, sensitivity of the information
to be processed, e.g., communicated, historical information
obtained from previous processing requests, the quantity of
information to be processed, time sensitivity of the processing,
network status, e.g., traffic congestion, message delays,
interference, capacity, and so on. In at least some embodiments,
the request itself may identify that quantum entanglement is
necessary, preferred and/or unnecessary, as the case may be.
[0127] A determination is made at 353 as to the existence of any
quantum entanglement requirements for the requested connection,
e.g., according to the results of the evaluation performed at 352.
The evaluation at 352 and/or the determination at 353 can be
performed according to pre-configured logic, policies and/or
programming at one or more of the QA of the source node, a quantum
entanglement controller, or a QA of another node, or in a
distributed manner across different QAs and/or one or more QAs and
the quantum entanglement controller. One or more of the QAs can be
pre-provisioned by the SDN with information, such as the logic,
policies, programming, network configurations, node locations, and
son.
[0128] To the extent it is determined at 353 that there are no
quantum entanglement requirements, the requested connection is
permitted at 354 to proceed via one or more classical communication
channels, e.g., telecommunication channels, computer network
channels, packet switched networks, circuit switched networks, the
Internet, local area networks, public networks private networks,
fiber optic networks, such as SONET, cable networks, satellite
networks, an HFC network and the like. Establishment of one or more
classical communication channels can be provided at 355. For
example, a channel can be requested, configured and/or otherwise
identified according to one or more of the source and the
destination. In at least some embodiments, selection and/or
establishment of a particular classical channel may also depend
upon one or more of a source node identity and/or location, a
destination node identity and/or location, an information source,
e.g., sending user and/or destination, e.g., recipient user,
sensitivity of the information to be processed, e.g., communicated,
historical information obtained from previous processing requests,
the quantity of information to be processed, time sensitivity of
the processing, network status, e.g., traffic congestion, message
delays, interference, capacity, and so on.
[0129] To the extent it is determined at 353 that there do exist
quantum entanglement requirements, a quantum path between the nodes
is selected at 356. For example, a quantum path may be selected
from among multiple available paths. In at least some embodiments,
path selection can be performed by and/or performed according to
information supplied by the SDN. The selected path may include a
source node, a destination node and in at least some instances, one
or more intermediate nodes. Nodes can include one or more of
communication nodes or quantum enable nodes.
[0130] According to the example process, a path length is
determined at 357. In at least some embodiments, the path length
can be determined by measurements, e.g., transit times, round trip
times. Alternatively or in addition the path length can be
determined according to information supplied by the SDN.
[0131] An evaluation of the path length can be performed to
determine whether a repeater may be required. According to the
illustrative example, the path length is compared to a path length
threshold. The threshold can depend on a type of path, type of path
segment and/or combinations of different types of path segments.
For example, a path length of an optical fiber segment may depend
upon physical properties of one or more of the optical source, the
optical detector or the fiber channel. Likewise, a path length of a
free-space segment may depend upon physical properties of one or
more of the optical source, the optical detector or atmospheric
conditions of the free-space link. It is understood that channel
conditions may be subject to change for any number of reasons, such
as wear of components, atmospheric conditions, interference,
congestion, and so on.
[0132] To the extent it is determined at 358 that the calculated
path length does not exceed the path length threshold,
transportation of one or more photons of entangled pairs of photons
are transported at 360 via a quantum channel established over the
path. To the extent it is determined at 358 that the calculated
path length exceeds the path length threshold, a quantum repeater
is identified and/or instantiated into the network at 359. Quantum
channels can include any communication channel or link adapted to
transport a quantum entangled object, such as an entangled photon,
without destroying or otherwise disturbing the entangled quantum
state of a transported quantum entangled object to render it
useless. Examples include selection of one or more point-to-point
fiber optic links, free-space optical links, e.g., between QENs
and/or between one or more QENs and a quantum entanglement source.
Alternatively or in addition, configuration can include configuring
one or more fiber optic networks, e.g., ring networks, star
networks, and/or mesh networks, including any of the examples
disclosed herein, equivalents, and the like, e.g., providing switch
control and/or signaling commands.
[0133] The disclosed embodiments can enhance security and/or
capacity in an HFC network 325 to mitigate and/or eliminate a
hacking risk. The quantum service features supported by the various
embodiment disclosed herein can present additional revenue streams
to network providers, e.g., associated with the provision and/or
utilization of quantum services via reliable quantum channels of
arbitrary distances. Alternatively or in addition, the techniques
disclosed herein can promote or otherwise facilitate a
consolidation of operations for different types of quantum
services, offering a network provider with one or more of a market
differentiator, an ability to offer enhanced reliability, improved
QoS on demand, and/or new opportunities for IT service providers as
they relate to quantum services over extended, e.g., arbitrary
distances.
[0134] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIGS. 2H-21, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methods described herein.
[0135] Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram 400 is shown
illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized
communication network in accordance with various aspects described
herein. In particular a virtualized communication network is
presented that can be used to implement some or all of the
subsystems and functions of communication network 100, the
subsystems and functions of systems 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250,
and 300 presented in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, and 2G and
processes 280 and 350, presented in FIGS. 2H and 21. For example,
virtualized communication network 400 can facilitate in whole or in
part a generation of entangled photons, responsive to a request for
quantum entanglement, and efficient and reliable distribution of
the entangled photons to predetermined processing nodes based on
the request. Quantum agents are employed, that in at least some
applications, evaluate communication and/or processing requests to
determine whether quantum entanglement is required. Having
identified communications and/or processing nodes to be entangled,
one or more quantum channels are identified to support
transportation of entangled objects from the entanglement source to
remote destinations to facilitate quantum entanglement of endpoints
of the requested link. It is envisioned that in at least some
applications, one or more quantum repeaters may be necessary, in
which case a swapping of quantum information or states can be
employed to extent an entangled state between the source and the
destination by way of the repeater. Accordingly, the quantum
channels can be established between one or more of the quantum
source, a source node, a destination node and possibly a quantum
repeater node.
[0136] In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that
leverages cloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and
scalability via a transport layer 450, a virtualized network
function cloud 425 and/or one or more cloud computing environments
475. In various embodiments, this cloud networking architecture is
an open architecture that leverages application programming
interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity from services and operations;
supports more nimble business models; and rapidly and seamlessly
scales to meet evolving customer requirements including traffic
growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity of performance
and reliability expectations.
[0137] In contrast to traditional network elements--which are
typically integrated to perform a single function, the virtualized
communication network employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 430,
432, 434, etc., that perform some or all of the functions of
network elements 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. For example, the network
architecture can provide a substrate of networking capability,
often called Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure (NFVI)
or simply infrastructure that is capable of being directed with
software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocols to perform
a broad variety of network functions and services. This
infrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most
typical type of substrate being servers that support Network
Function Virtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding
capabilities based on generic computing resources, with specialized
network technologies brought to bear when general purpose
processors or general purpose integrated circuit devices offered by
merchants (referred to herein as merchant silicon) are not
appropriate. In this case, communication services can be
implemented as cloud-centric workloads.
[0138] As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in
FIG. 1), such as an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 430
composed of NFV software modules, merchant silicon, and associated
controllers. The software can be written so that increasing
workload consumes incremental resources from a common resource
pool, and moreover so that it's elastic: so the resources are only
consumed when needed. In a similar fashion, other network elements
such as other routers, switches, edge caches, and middle-boxes are
instantiated from the common resource pool. Such sharing of
infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planning and
growing infrastructure easier to manage.
[0139] In an embodiment, the transport layer 450 includes fiber,
cable, wired and/or wireless transport elements, network elements
and interfaces to provide broadband access 110, wireless access
120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or access to content
sources 175 for distribution of content to any or all of the access
technologies. In particular, in some cases a network element needs
to be positioned at a specific place, and this allows for less
sharing of common infrastructure. Other times, the network elements
have specific physical layer adapters that cannot be abstracted or
virtualized, and might require special DSP code and analog
front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementation as
VNEs 430, 432 or 434. These network elements can be included in
transport layer 450.
[0140] The virtualized network function cloud 425 interfaces with
the transport layer 450 to provide the VNEs 430, 432, 434, etc., to
provide specific NFVs. In particular, the virtualized network
function cloud 425 leverages cloud operations, applications, and
architectures to support networking workloads. The virtualized
network elements 430, 432 and 434 can employ network function
software that provides either a one-for-one mapping of traditional
network element function or alternately some combination of network
functions designed for cloud computing. For example, VNEs 430, 432
and 434 can include route reflectors, domain name system (DNS)
servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) servers,
system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility management
entity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers
for IP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers,
distributers and other network elements. Because these elements
don't typically need to forward large amounts of traffic, their
workload can be distributed across a number of servers--each of
which adds a portion of the capability, and overall which creates
an elastic function with higher availability than its former
monolithic version. These virtual network elements 430, 432, 434,
etc., can be instantiated and managed using an orchestration
approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.
[0141] The cloud computing environments 475 can interface with the
virtualized network function cloud 425 via APIs that expose
functional capabilities of the VNEs 430, 432, 434, etc., to provide
the flexible and expanded capabilities to the virtualized network
function cloud 425. In particular, network workloads may have
applications distributed across the virtualized network function
cloud 425 and cloud computing environment 475 and in the commercial
cloud, or might simply orchestrate workloads supported entirely in
NFV infrastructure from these third party locations.
[0142] Turning now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a block diagram
of a computing environment in accordance with various aspects
described herein. In order to provide additional context for
various embodiments of the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and
the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general
description of a suitable computing environment 500 in which the
various embodiments of the subject disclosure can be implemented.
In particular, computing environment 500 can be used in the
implementation of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156, access
terminal 112, base station or access point 122, switching device
132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 430, 432, 434, etc. Each of
these devices can be implemented via computer-executable
instructions that can run on one or more computers, and/or in
combination with other program modules and/or as a combination of
hardware and software. For example, computing environment 500 can
facilitate in whole or in part a generation of entangled photons,
responsive to a request for quantum entanglement, and efficient and
reliable distribution of the entangled photons to predetermined
processing nodes based on the request. Quantum agents are employed,
that in at least some applications, evaluate communication and/or
processing requests to determine whether quantum entanglement is
required. Having identified communications and/or processing nodes
to be entangled, one or more quantum channels are identified to
support transportation of entangled objects from the entanglement
source to remote destinations to facilitate quantum entanglement of
endpoints of the requested link. It is envisioned that in at least
some applications, one or more quantum repeaters may be necessary,
in which case a swapping of quantum information or states can be
employed to extent an entangled state between the source and the
destination by way of the repeater. Accordingly, the quantum
channels can be established between one or more of the quantum
source, a source node, a destination node and possibly a quantum
repeater node.
[0143] Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs,
components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or
implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the methods can be practiced with
other computer system configurations, comprising single-processor
or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers, mainframe
computers, as well as personal computers, hand-held computing
devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,
and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled to one or
more associated devices.
[0144] As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more
processors as well as other application specific circuits such as
an application specific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit,
state machine, programmable gate array or other circuit that
processes input signals or data and that produces output signals or
data in response thereto. It should be noted that while any
functions and features described herein in association with the
operation of a processor could likewise be performed by a
processing circuit.
[0145] The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be
also practiced in distributed computing environments where certain
tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked
through a communications network. In a distributed computing
environment, program modules can be located in both local and
remote memory storage devices.
[0146] Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media,
which can comprise computer-readable storage media and/or
communications media, which two terms are used herein differently
from one another as follows. Computer-readable storage media can be
any available storage media that can be accessed by the computer
and comprises both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and
non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation,
computer-readable storage media can be implemented in connection
with any method or technology for storage of information such as
computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured data or
unstructured data.
[0147] Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not
limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM),
electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash
memory or other memory technology, compact disk read only memory
(CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk
storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage
or other magnetic storage devices or other tangible and/or
non-transitory media which can be used to store desired
information. In this regard, the terms "tangible" or
"non-transitory" herein as applied to storage, memory or
computer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude only
propagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not
relinquish rights to all standard storage, memory or
computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitory
signals per se.
[0148] Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or
more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via access requests,
queries or other data retrieval protocols, for a variety of
operations with respect to the information stored by the
medium.
[0149] Communications media typically embody computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other structured
or unstructured data in a data signal such as a modulated data
signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and
comprises any information delivery or transport media. The term
"modulated data signal" or signals refers to a signal that has one
or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as
to encode information in one or more signals. By way of example,
and not limitation, communication media comprise wired media, such
as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media
such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.
[0150] With reference again to FIG. 4, the example environment can
comprise a computer 502, the computer 502 comprising a processing
unit 504, a system memory 506 and a system bus 508. The system bus
508 couples system components including, but not limited to, the
system memory 506 to the processing unit 504. The processing unit
504 can be any of various commercially available processors. Dual
microprocessors and other multiprocessor architectures can also be
employed as the processing unit 504.
[0151] The system bus 508 can be any of several types of bus
structure that can further interconnect to a memory bus (with or
without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus
using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.
The system memory 506 comprises ROM 510 and RAM 512. A basic
input/output system (BIOS) can be stored in a non-volatile memory
such as ROM, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM),
EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to
transfer information between elements within the computer 502, such
as during startup. The RAM 512 can also comprise a high-speed RAM
such as static RAM for caching data.
[0152] The computer 502 further comprises an internal hard disk
drive (HDD) 514 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 514 can also
be configured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a
magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 516, (e.g., to read from or write
to a removable diskette 518) and an optical disk drive 520, (e.g.,
reading a CD-ROM disk 522 or, to read from or write to other high
capacity optical media such as the DVD). The HDD 514, magnetic FDD
516 and optical disk drive 520 can be connected to the system bus
508 by a hard disk drive interface 524, a magnetic disk drive
interface 526 and an optical drive interface 528, respectively. The
hard disk drive interface 524 for external drive implementations
comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394
interface technologies. Other external drive connection
technologies are within contemplation of the embodiments described
herein.
[0153] The drives and their associated computer-readable storage
media provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures,
computer-executable instructions, and so forth. For the computer
502, the drives and storage media accommodate the storage of any
data in a suitable digital format. Although the description of
computer-readable storage media above refers to a hard disk drive
(HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media
such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that other types of storage media which are readable by a
computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory
cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the example
operating environment, and further, that any such storage media can
contain computer-executable instructions for performing the methods
described herein.
[0154] A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and
RAM 512, comprising an operating system 530, one or more
application programs 532, other program modules 534 and program
data 536. All or portions of the operating system, applications,
modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM 512. The systems
and methods described herein can be implemented utilizing various
commercially available operating systems or combinations of
operating systems.
[0155] A user can enter commands and information into the computer
502 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a
keyboard 538 and a pointing device, such as a mouse 540. Other
input devices (not shown) can comprise a microphone, an infrared
(IR) remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touch
screen or the like. These and other input devices are often
connected to the processing unit 504 through an input device
interface 542 that can be coupled to the system bus 508, but can be
connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE
1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,
an IR interface, etc.
[0156] A monitor 544 or other type of display device can be also
connected to the system bus 508 via an interface, such as a video
adapter 546. It will also be appreciated that in alternative
embodiments, a monitor 544 can also be any display device (e.g.,
another computer having a display, a smart phone, a tablet
computer, etc.) for receiving display information associated with
computer 502 via any communication means, including via the
Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to the monitor 544,
a computer typically comprises other peripheral output devices (not
shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.
[0157] The computer 502 can operate in a networked environment
using logical connections via wired and/or wireless communications
to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 548.
The remote computer(s) 548 can be a workstation, a server computer,
a router, a personal computer, portable computer,
microprocessor-based entertainment appliance, a peer device or
other common network node, and typically comprises many or all of
the elements described relative to the computer 502, although, for
purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storage device 550 is
illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprise
wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 552
and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 554. Such
LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and
companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such
as intranets, all of which can connect to a global communications
network, e.g., the Internet.
[0158] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 502
can be connected to the LAN 552 through a wired and/or wireless
communication network interface or adapter 556. The adapter 556 can
facilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 552, which
can also comprise a wireless AP disposed thereon for communicating
with the adapter 556.
[0159] When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 502
can comprise a modem 558 or can be connected to a communications
server on the WAN 554 or has other means for establishing
communications over the WAN 554, such as by way of the Internet.
The modem 558, which can be internal or external and a wired or
wireless device, can be connected to the system bus 508 via the
input device interface 542. In a networked environment, program
modules depicted relative to the computer 502 or portions thereof,
can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 550. It will be
appreciated that the network connections shown are example and
other means of establishing a communications link between the
computers can be used.
[0160] The computer 502 can be operable to communicate with any
wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless
communication, e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable
computer, portable data assistant, communications satellite, any
piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly
detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and
telephone. This can comprise Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and
BLUETOOTH.RTM. wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can
be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or simply
an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.
[0161] Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at
home, a bed in a hotel room or a conference room at work, without
wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in a
cell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send and
receive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a base
station. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11
(a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast
wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect
computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks
(which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in
the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with
products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can
provide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired
Ethernet networks used in many offices.
[0162] In at least some embodiments, the computing environment 500
is configured to engage and/or otherwise participate in quantum
entanglement other computing environments, e.g., remote computers
548, systems and/or network elements to support quantum enabled
functions, services and/or applications. For example, the computing
500 includes a quantum source (QS) 562 adapted to generate a
quantum entangled group of objects, such as entangled photons,
responsive to a request for processing, e.g., communication within
the computing environment 500 and/or between the computing
environment 500 and other computing environments, systems and/or
network elements s, that utilizes quantum entanglement. A first
quantum agents (QA) 561a can be included within or otherwise
associated with the computer 502, and a second QA 561b can be
included within or otherwise associated with the remote computer
548, e.g., to evaluate communication and/or processing requests to
determine whether quantum entanglement is desired. Likewise, the
computer 502 and/or the remote computer 548 can include one or more
quantum enabled nodes (QEN) 560a, 560b, generally 560, that are
adapted to transmit, receive, measure, store and/or otherwise
process quantum entangled objects according to any of the
techniques disclosed herein, including those generally known to
those skilled in the art of quantum processing. According to the
illustrative embodiments, the computing environment includes at
least one quantum controller (QC) 564 adapted to respond to and/or
otherwise service requests and/or determinations that quantum
processing be implemented in association with the computing
environment 500.
[0163] In at least some embodiments, each QEN 560a, 560b, generally
560, includes or is otherwise associated with a respective QA 561.
That said, it is envisioned that in at least some embodiments, a
single QA 561 may be shared with multiple QENs 560, e.g., among a
computer 502 and one or more remote computers 548 at a proximate or
common location, such as a data center. Having identified quantum
entanglements for communications and/or processing between the
computer 502, and/or the remote computer 548 and/or other networks
and/or systems, one or more quantum channels are identified to
support transportation of the entangled objects from an
entanglement source to remote destinations to facilitate quantum
entanglement between endpoints of the requested link, e.g.,
according to the various techniques and examples disclosed herein,
including the possibility of quantum repeater nodes, if deemed
necessary.
[0164] Turning now to FIG. 5, an embodiment 600 of a mobile network
platform 610 is shown that is an example of network elements 150,
152, 154, 156, and/or VNEs 430, 432, 434, etc. For example,
platform 610 can facilitate in whole or in part a generation of
entangled photons, responsive to a request for quantum
entanglement, and efficient and reliable distribution of the
entangled photons to predetermined processing nodes based on the
request. Quantum agents are employed, that in at least some
applications, evaluate communication and/or processing requests to
determine whether quantum entanglement is required. Having
identified communications and/or processing nodes to be entangled,
one or more quantum channels are identified to support
transportation of entangled objects from the entanglement source to
remote destinations to facilitate quantum entanglement of endpoints
of the requested link. It is envisioned that in at least some
applications, one or more quantum repeaters may be necessary, in
which case a swapping of quantum information or states can be
employed to extent an entangled state between the source and the
destination by way of the repeater. Accordingly, the quantum
channels can be established between one or more of the quantum
source, a source node, a destination node and possibly a quantum
repeater node.
[0165] In one or more embodiments, the mobile network platform 610
can generate and receive signals transmitted and received by base
stations or access points such as base station or access point 122.
Generally, mobile network platform 610 can comprise components,
e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms,
that facilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol
(IP), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and
circuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well as
control generation for networked wireless telecommunication. As a
non-limiting example, mobile network platform 610 can be included
in telecommunications carrier networks, and can be considered
carrier-side components as discussed elsewhere herein. Mobile
network platform 610 comprises CS gateway node(s) 612 which can
interface CS traffic received from legacy networks like telephony
network(s) 640 (e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN), or
public land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7 (SS7)
network 660. CS gateway node(s) 612 can authorize and authenticate
traffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CS
gateway node(s) 612 can access mobility, or roaming, data generated
through SS7 network 660; for instance, mobility data stored in a
visited location register (VLR), which can reside in memory 630.
Moreover, CS gateway node(s) 612 interfaces CS-based traffic and
signaling and PS gateway node(s) 618. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS
network, CS gateway node(s) 612 can be realized at least in part in
gateway GPRS support node(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that
functionality and specific operation of CS gateway node(s) 612, PS
gateway node(s) 618, and serving node(s) 616, is provided and
dictated by radio technology(ies) utilized by mobile network
platform 610 for telecommunication over a radio access network 620
with other devices, such as a radiotelephone 675.
[0166] In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic
and signaling, PS gateway node(s) 618 can authorize and
authenticate PS-based data sessions with served mobile devices.
Data sessions can comprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with
networks external to the mobile network platform 610, like wide
area network(s) (WANs) 650, enterprise network(s) 670, and service
network(s) 680, which can be embodied in local area network(s)
(LANs), can also be interfaced with mobile network platform 610
through PS gateway node(s) 618. It is to be noted that WANs 650 and
enterprise network(s) 670 can embody, at least in part, a service
network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Based on radio
technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) or radio
access network 620, PS gateway node(s) 618 can generate packet data
protocol contexts when a data session is established; other data
structures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can be
generated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 618 can
comprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG)
in 3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate
packetized communication with disparate wireless network(s), such
as Wi-Fi networks.
[0167] In embodiment 600, mobile network platform 610 also
comprises serving node(s) 616 that, based upon available radio
technology layer(s) within technology resource(s) in the radio
access network 620, convey the various packetized flows of data
streams received through PS gateway node(s) 618. It is to be noted
that for technology resource(s) that rely primarily on CS
communication, server node(s) can deliver traffic without reliance
on PS gateway node(s) 618; for example, server node(s) can embody
at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, in a
3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 616 can be embodied in serving
GPRS support node(s) (SGSN).
[0168] For radio technologies that exploit packetized
communication, server(s) 614 in mobile network platform 610 can
execute numerous applications that can generate multiple disparate
packetized data streams or flows, and manage (e.g., schedule,
queue, format . . . ) such flows. Such application(s) can comprise
add-on features to standard services (for example, provisioning,
billing, customer support . . . ) provided by mobile network
platform 610. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that are part of a
voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gateway node(s)
618 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a data
session, and to serving node(s) 616 for communication thereafter.
In addition to application server, server(s) 614 can comprise
utility server(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning
server, an operations and maintenance server, a security server
that can implement at least in part a certificate authority and
firewalls as well as other security mechanisms, and the like. In an
aspect, security server(s) secure communication served through
mobile network platform 610 to ensure network's operation and data
integrity in addition to authorization and authentication
procedures that CS gateway node(s) 612 and PS gateway node(s) 618
can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s) can provision services
from external network(s) like networks operated by a disparate
service provider; for instance, WAN 650 or Global Positioning
System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s) can
also provision coverage through networks associated to mobile
network platform 610 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same
service provider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown
in FIG. 1(s) that enhance wireless service coverage by providing
more network coverage.
[0169] It is to be noted that server(s) 614 can comprise one or
more processors configured to confer at least in part the
functionality of mobile network platform 610. To that end, the one
or more processor can execute code instructions stored in memory
630, for example. It is should be appreciated that server(s) 614
can comprise a content manager, which operates in substantially the
same manner as described hereinbefore.
[0170] In example embodiment 600, memory 630 can store information
related to operation of mobile network platform 610. Other
operational information can comprise provisioning information of
mobile devices served through mobile network platform 610,
subscriber databases; application intelligence, pricing schemes,
e.g., promotional rates, flat-rate programs, couponing campaigns;
technical specification(s) consistent with telecommunication
protocols for operation of disparate radio, or wireless, technology
layers; and so forth. Memory 630 can also store information from at
least one of telephony network(s) 640, WAN 650, SS7 network 660, or
enterprise network(s) 670. In an aspect, memory 630 can be, for
example, accessed as part of a data store component or as a
remotely connected memory store.
[0171] In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the
disclosed subject matter, FIG. 5, and the following discussion, are
intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable
environment in which the various aspects of the disclosed subject
matter can be implemented. While the subject matter has been
described above in the general context of computer-executable
instructions of a computer program that runs on a computer and/or
computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination
with other program modules. Generally, program modules comprise
routines, programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform
particular tasks and/or implement particular abstract data
types.
[0172] In at least some embodiments, the mobile network platform
610 is configured to engage and/or otherwise participate in quantum
entanglement other computing environments, e.g., remote computers,
systems and/or other networks, such as quantum networks 682, to
support quantum enabled functions, services and/or applications.
For example, the mobile network platform 610 includes a quantum
source (QS) 684a adapted to generate a quantum entangled group of
objects, such as entangled photons, responsive to a request for
processing, e.g., communication within the mobile network platform
610 and/or between the mobile network platform 610 and other
computing environments, systems and/or network 682, that utilizes
quantum entanglement. A first quantum agents (QA) 685a can be
included within or otherwise associated with the mobile network
platform 610, and a second QA 685b can be included within or
otherwise associated with the quantum network 682, e.g., to
evaluate communication and/or processing requests to determine
whether quantum entanglement is desired. Likewise, the mobile
network platform 610 and/or the quantum network 682 can include one
or more quantum enabled nodes (QEN) 684a, 684b, generally 684, that
are adapted to transmit, receive, measure, store and/or otherwise
process quantum entangled objects according to any of the
techniques disclosed herein, including those generally known to
those skilled in the art of quantum processing. According to the
illustrative embodiments, the mobile network environment 600
includes at least one quantum controller (QC) 686 adapted to
respond to and/or otherwise service requests and/or determinations
that quantum processing be implemented in association with the
mobile network environment 600.
[0173] In at least some embodiments, each QEN 684, includes or is
otherwise associated with a respective QA 685a, 685b, generally
685. That said, it is envisioned that in at least some embodiments,
a single QA 685 may be shared with multiple QENs 684, e.g., among a
mobile network platform 610 and one or more remote quantum networks
682 at a proximate or common location, such as a data center.
Having identified quantum entanglements for communications and/or
processing between the mobile network platform 610, and/or the
remote quantum network 682 and/or other networks and/or systems,
one or more quantum channels are identified to support
transportation of the entangled objects from an entanglement source
to remote destinations to facilitate quantum entanglement between
endpoints of the requested link, e.g., according to the various
techniques and examples disclosed herein, including the possibility
of quantum repeater nodes, if deemed necessary.
[0174] Turning now to FIG. 6, an illustrative embodiment of a
communication device 700 is shown. The communication device 700 can
serve as an illustrative embodiment of devices such as data
terminals 114, mobile devices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144
or other client devices for communication via either communications
network 125. For example, computing device 700 can facilitate in
whole or in part a generation of entangled photons, responsive to a
request for quantum entanglement, and efficient and reliable
distribution of the entangled photons to predetermined processing
nodes based on the request. Quantum agents are employed, that in at
least some applications, evaluate communication and/or processing
requests to determine whether quantum entanglement is required.
Having identified communications and/or processing nodes to be
entangled, one or more quantum channels are identified to support
transportation of entangled objects from the entanglement source to
remote destinations to facilitate quantum entanglement of endpoints
of the requested link. It is envisioned that in at least some
applications, one or more quantum repeaters may be necessary, in
which case a swapping of quantum information or states can be
employed to extent an entangled state between the source and the
destination by way of the repeater. Accordingly, the quantum
channels can be established between one or more of the quantum
source, a source node, a destination node and possibly a quantum
repeater node.
[0175] The communication device 700 can comprise a wireline and/or
wireless transceiver 702 (herein transceiver 702), a user interface
(UI) 704, a power supply 714, a location receiver 716, a motion
sensor 718, an orientation sensor 720, and a controller 706 for
managing operations thereof. The transceiver 702 can support
short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as
Bluetooth.RTM., ZigBee.RTM., WiFi, DECT, or cellular communication
technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth.RTM. and ZigBee.RTM.
are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth.RTM. Special Interest
Group and the ZigBee.RTM. Alliance, respectively). Cellular
technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA,
GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next
generation wireless communication technologies as they arise. The
transceiver 702 can also be adapted to support circuit-switched
wireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched
wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and
combinations thereof.
[0176] The UI 704 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive
keypad 708 with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a
joystick, a mouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations
of the communication device 700. The keypad 708 can be an integral
part of a housing assembly of the communication device 700 or an
independent device operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline
interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting
for example Bluetooth.RTM.. The keypad 708 can represent a numeric
keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTY keypad with
alphanumeric keys. The UI 704 can further include a display 710
such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED
(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology
for conveying images to an end user of the communication device
700. In an embodiment where the display 710 is touch-sensitive, a
portion or all of the keypad 708 can be presented by way of the
display 710 with navigation features.
[0177] The display 710 can use touch screen technology to also
serve as a user interface for detecting user input. As a touch
screen display, the communication device 700 can be adapted to
present a user interface having graphical user interface (GUI)
elements that can be selected by a user with a touch of a finger.
The display 710 can be equipped with capacitive, resistive or other
forms of sensing technology to detect how much surface area of a
user's finger has been placed on a portion of the touch screen
display. This sensing information can be used to control the
manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the user
interface. The display 710 can be an integral part of the housing
assembly of the communication device 700 or an independent device
communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface
(such as a cable) or a wireless interface.
[0178] The UI 704 can also include an audio system 712 that
utilizes audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as
audio heard in proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio
(such as speakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system
712 can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals
of an end user. The audio system 712 can also be used for voice
recognition applications. The UI 704 can further include an image
sensor 713 such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for
capturing still or moving images.
[0179] The power supply 714 can utilize common power management
technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply
regulation technologies, and/or charging system technologies for
supplying energy to the components of the communication device 700
to facilitate long-range or short-range portable communications.
Alternatively, or in combination, the charging system can utilize
external power sources such as DC power supplied over a physical
interface such as a USB port or other suitable tethering
technologies.
[0180] The location receiver 716 can utilize location technology
such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of
assisted GPS for identifying a location of the communication device
700 based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS
satellites, which can be used for facilitating location services
such as navigation. The motion sensor 718 can utilize motion
sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other
suitable motion sensing technology to detect motion of the
communication device 700 in three-dimensional space. The
orientation sensor 720 can utilize orientation sensing technology
such as a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the
communication device 700 (north, south, west, and east, as well as
combined orientations in degrees, minutes, or other suitable
orientation metrics).
[0181] The communication device 700 can use the transceiver 702 to
also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth.RTM., or
other wireless access points by sensing techniques such as
utilizing a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal
time of arrival (TOA) or time of flight (TOF) measurements. The
controller 706 can utilize computing technologies such as a
microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), programmable gate
arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and/or a video
processor with associated storage memory such as Flash, ROM, RAM,
SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executing computer
instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by the
aforementioned components of the communication device 700.
[0182] Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or
more embodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the
communication device 700 can include a slot for adding or removing
an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card
or Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can
be used for identifying subscriber services, executing programs,
storing subscriber data, and so on.
[0183] In at least some embodiments, the communication device 700
is configured to engage and/or otherwise participate in quantum
entanglement other computing environments, e.g., remote computers,
systems and/or other networks to support quantum enabled functions,
services and/or applications. For example, the communication device
700 includes a quantum agent (QA) 731 that can be included within
or otherwise associated with the communication device 700, e.g., to
evaluate communication and/or processing requests to determine
whether quantum entanglement is desired. Likewise, the
communication device 700 can include a quantum enabled node (QEN)
730, adapted to transmit, receive, measure, store and/or otherwise
process quantum entangled objects according to any of the
techniques disclosed herein, including those generally known to
those skilled in the art of quantum processing.
[0184] The QEN 730 can be in communication with a quantum source
(QS), adapted to generate a quantum entangled group of objects,
such as entangled photons, responsive to a request for processing,
e.g., communication within the communication device 700 and/or
between the communication device 700 and other communication
devices, computing environments, systems and/or network, that
utilizes quantum entanglement.
[0185] Other quantum networking techniques are disclosed in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled "System and Method for
Network Distribution of Quantum Entanglement," attorney docket no.
2019-0316_7785-1992A, filed on Dec. 6, 2019, all sections thereof
are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0186] The terms "first," "second," "third," and so forth, as used
in the claims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity
only and doesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For
instance, "a first determination," "a second determination," and "a
third determination," does not indicate or imply that the first
determination is to be made before the second determination, or
vice versa, etc.
[0187] In the subject specification, terms such as "store,"
"storage," "data store," data storage," "database," and
substantially any other information storage component relevant to
operation and functionality of a component, refer to "memory
components," or entities embodied in a "memory" or components
comprising the memory. It will be appreciated that the memory
components described herein can be either volatile memory or
nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile and nonvolatile
memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatile
memory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage.
Further, nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory
(ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM
(EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory.
Volatile memory can comprise random access memory (RAM), which acts
as external cache memory. By way of illustration and not
limitation, RAM is available in many forms such as synchronous RAM
(SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data
rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM
(SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Additionally, the
disclosed memory components of systems or methods herein are
intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising, these
and any other suitable types of memory.
[0188] Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter
can be practiced with other computer system configurations,
comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems,
mini-computing devices, mainframe computers, as well as personal
computers, hand-held computing devices (e.g., PDA, phone,
smartphone, watch, tablet computers, netbook computers, etc.),
microprocessor-based or programmable consumer or industrial
electronics, and the like. The illustrated aspects can also be
practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are
performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a
communications network; however, some if not all aspects of the
subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alone computers. In a
distributed computing environment, program modules can be located
in both local and remote memory storage devices.
[0189] In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of
services can be generated including services being accessed, media
consumption history, user preferences, and so forth. This
information can be obtained by various methods including user
input, detecting types of communications (e.g., video content vs.
audio content), analysis of content streams, sampling, and so
forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring of this
information can be responsive to an authorization provided by the
user. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be
subject to authorization from user(s) associated with the data,
such as an opt-in, an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements,
notifications, selective authorization based on types of data, and
so forth.
[0190] Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ
artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more
features described herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection
with automatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a
maximum value/benefit after addition to an existing communication
network) can employ various AI-based schemes for carrying out
various embodiments thereof. Moreover, the classifier can be
employed to determine a ranking or priority of each cell site of
the acquired network. A classifier is a function that maps an input
attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . , xn), to a confidence
that the input belongs to a class, that is, f(x)=confidence
(class). Such classification can employ a probabilistic and/or
statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysis
utilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user
desires to be automatically performed. A support vector machine
(SVM) is an example of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM
operates by finding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs,
which the hypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria
from the non-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the
classification correct for testing data that is near, but not
identical to training data. Other directed and undirected model
classification approaches comprise, e.g., naive Bayes, Bayesian
networks, decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, and
probabilistic classification models providing different patterns of
independence can be employed. Classification as used herein also is
inclusive of statistical regression that is utilized to develop
models of priority.
[0191] As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the
embodiments can employ classifiers that are explicitly trained
(e.g., via a generic training data) as well as implicitly trained
(e.g., via observing UE behavior, operator preferences, historical
information, receiving extrinsic information). For example, SVMs
can be configured via a learning or training phase within a
classifier constructor and feature selection module. Thus, the
classifier(s) can be used to automatically learn and perform a
number of functions, including but not limited to determining
according to predetermined criteria which of the acquired cell
sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which of
the acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existing
communication network coverage, etc.
[0192] As used in some contexts in this application, in some
embodiments, the terms "component," "system" and the like are
intended to refer to, or comprise, a computer-related entity or an
entity related to an operational apparatus with one or more
specific functionalities, wherein the entity can be either
hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or
software in execution. As an example, a component may be, but is
not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a
processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,
computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By
way of illustration and not limitation, both an application running
on a server and the server can be a component. One or more
components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution
and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed
between two or more computers. In addition, these components can
execute from various computer readable media having various data
structures stored thereon. The components may communicate via local
and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having
one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting
with another component in a local system, distributed system,
and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systems via
the signal). As another example, a component can be an apparatus
with specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated
by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by a
software or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein
the processor can be internal or external to the apparatus and
executes at least a part of the software or firmware application.
As yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that
provides specific functionality through electronic components
without mechanical parts, the electronic components can comprise a
processor therein to execute software or firmware that confers at
least in part the functionality of the electronic components. While
various components have been illustrated as separate components, it
will be appreciated that multiple components can be implemented as
a single component, or a single component can be implemented as
multiple components, without departing from example
embodiments.
[0193] Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a
method, apparatus or article of manufacture using standard
programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software,
firmware, hardware or any combination thereof to control a computer
to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term "article of
manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer
program accessible from any computer-readable device or
computer-readable storage/communications media. For example,
computer readable storage media can include, but are not limited
to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,
magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital
versatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,
card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art will
recognize many modifications can be made to this configuration
without departing from the scope or spirit of the various
embodiments.
[0194] In addition, the words "example" and "exemplary" are used
herein to mean serving as an instance or illustration. Any
embodiment or design described herein as "example" or "exemplary"
is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous
over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word example
or exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.
As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an
inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless
specified otherwise or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is
intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That
is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X
employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances.
In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application
and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one
or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be
directed to a singular form.
[0195] Moreover, terms such as "user equipment," "mobile station,"
"mobile," subscriber station," "access terminal," "terminal,"
"handset," "mobile device" (and/or terms representing similar
terminology) can refer to a wireless device utilized by a
subscriber or user of a wireless communication service to receive
or convey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming or
substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoing
terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with reference to the
related drawings.
[0196] Furthermore, the terms "user," "subscriber," "customer,"
"consumer" and the like are employed interchangeably throughout,
unless context warrants particular distinctions among the terms. It
should be appreciated that such terms can refer to human entities
or automated components supported through artificial intelligence
(e.g., a capacity to make inference based, at least, on complex
mathematical formalisms), which can provide simulated vision, sound
recognition and so forth.
[0197] As employed herein, the term "processor" can refer to
substantially any computing processing unit or device comprising,
but not limited to comprising, single-core processors;
single-processors with software multithread execution capability;
multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software
multithread execution capability; multi-core processors with
hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; and parallel
platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a processor
can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a
field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic
controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a
discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components or
any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described
herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures such as,
but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors,
switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhance
performance of user equipment. A processor can also be implemented
as a combination of computing processing units.
[0198] As used herein, terms such as "data storage," data storage,"
"database," and substantially any other information storage
component relevant to operation and functionality of a component,
refer to "memory components," or entities embodied in a "memory" or
components comprising the memory. It will be appreciated that the
memory components or computer-readable storage media, described
herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory or can
include both volatile and nonvolatile memory.
[0199] What has been described above includes mere examples of
various embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe
every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for
purposes of describing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in
the art can recognize that many further combinations and
permutations of the present embodiments are possible. Accordingly,
the embodiments disclosed and/or claimed herein are intended to
embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that
fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in
either the detailed description or the claims, such term is
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term
"comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a
transitional word in a claim.
[0200] In addition, a flow diagram may include a "start" and/or
"continue" indication. The "start" and "continue" indications
reflect that the steps presented can optionally be incorporated in
or otherwise used in conjunction with other routines. In this
context, "start" indicates the beginning of the first step
presented and may be preceded by other activities not specifically
shown. Further, the "continue" indication reflects that the steps
presented may be performed multiple times and/or may be succeeded
by other activities not specifically shown. Further, while a flow
diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, other orderings
are likewise possible provided that the principles of causality are
maintained.
[0201] As may also be used herein, the term(s) "operably coupled
to", "coupled to", and/or "coupling" includes direct coupling
between items and/or indirect coupling between items via one or
more intervening items. Such items and intervening items include,
but are not limited to, junctions, communication paths, components,
circuit elements, circuits, functional blocks, and/or devices. As
an example of indirect coupling, a signal conveyed from a first
item to a second item may be modified by one or more intervening
items by modifying the form, nature or format of information in a
signal, while one or more elements of the information in the signal
are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can be recognized by the
second item. In a further example of indirect coupling, an action
in a first item can cause a reaction on the second item, as a
result of actions and/or reactions in one or more intervening
items.
[0202] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement
which achieves the same or similar purpose may be substituted for
the embodiments described or shown by the subject disclosure. The
subject disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or
variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above
embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described
herein, can be used in the subject disclosure. For instance, one or
more features from one or more embodiments can be combined with one
or more features of one or more other embodiments. In one or more
embodiments, features that are positively recited can also be
negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or without
replacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The
steps or functions described with respect to the embodiments of the
subject disclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or
functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subject
disclosure can be performed alone or in combination with other
steps or functions of the subject disclosure, as well as from other
embodiments or from other steps that have not been described in the
subject disclosure. Further, more than or less than all of the
features described with respect to an embodiment can also be
utilized.
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