The Quantum Internet Research Group at the University of Naples Federico II will be prominently represented at IEEE Quantum Week 2026 (QCE26), with a rich programme of research contributions spanning quantum network experiments, simulation, architectures, protocols, standardization, and the development of the future quantum workforce.
Across several workshops and research paper sessions, members of the group and QNattyNet, the ERC Consolidator Grant led by Prof. Angela Sara Cacciapuoti, will showcase different aspects of the research driving the development of a quantum-native Internet.
Research Paper Presentations
“Interconnection of Quantum Networks at Urban Scale: Analysis of Temporal Stability of Entangled Photon Sources”
Presented by Laura d’Avossa
The work presents an experimental study of the synchronization of entangled-photon sources over deployed metropolitan fiber infrastructure, addressing a key challenge for the reliable interconnection of quantum networks in realistic operating conditions.
“Conceptual and Applicative Knowledge in the Quantum Internet Workforce: The Role of Information Sources”
Presented by Lorenza Criscuolo
Based on a survey of 153 professionals, the study investigates how information sources shape understanding of the Quantum Internet and identifies a gap between conceptual and applicative knowledge across different professional groups.
3rd Workshop on Quantum Network Simulations
“Q2NS: An Extensible ns-3 Framework for Quantum-Network Simulation”
Angela Sara Cacciapuoti
The talk will introduce Q2NS, an extensible framework for quantum-network simulation that combines classical-quantum co-simulation, quantum-network primitives, and multiple state-representation backends. The presentation will also cover Q2NSViz, a tool for visualizing simulation traces
2nd Workshop on Quantum Network Engineering
“Beyond Layering: Composable Protocol Primitives for Quantum Networks”
Angela Sara Cacciapuoti
The talk will explore new approaches to quantum network architecture and protocol design, focusing on composable primitives that move beyond traditional layered networking models.
QCE26 Workshop on Quantum Networking
“Quantum Networking: From Cutting-Edge Research towards Standardization”
Invited Speaker: Angela Sara Cacciapuoti
The talk will address the transition from cutting-edge quantum networking research towards standardization, discussing how shared frameworks and interfaces can support interoperability while preserving flexibility for evolving architectures.
This perspective closely connects with the vision of QNattyNet, which aims to lay the foundations of a quantum-native Internet by exploring new architectural and protocol principles specifically designed for quantum networking.
Together, these contributions reflect the breadth of research within the Quantum Internet Research Group and QNattyNet: from experimental validation over real-world infrastructure and advanced simulation tools to quantum-native architectures, protocol design, standardization, and the knowledge ecosystems required to build the future quantum workforce.
QCE26 will provide an opportunity for our group to share ongoing research, exchange ideas with the international quantum networking community, and contribute to the discussion on how the Quantum Internet can move from emerging research to scalable, interoperable infrastructure.
