1. Summary
The document shepherd is Wojciech Kozlowski. The IRTF Chair is Colin Perkins.
The document provides a high-level overview and introduction to the new application scenarios that
will be enabled by a Quantum Internet. Applications are split into three groups: quantum
cryptography, quantum sensing/metrology, and quantum computing which is in line with most existing
literature. Each group is then described separately with references and examples including diagrams
and high-level descriptions of the procedures.
2. Review and Consensus
The document has been through several iterations and has been reviewed and commented on by several
members of the QIRG. This includes the typical IRTF networking audience as well as QIRG-specific
quantum experts. All comments posted to the mailing list have been thoroughly addressed by the
authors.
The document has passed the RG last call on its -15 iteration.
3. Intellectual Property
Each author has confirmed that there are no IPR disclosures to make for the document.
4. Other Points
There are no normative references in this document. The document discusses the security implications
of the advent of a quantum internet and quantum computing in general. Furthermore, the applications
covered in this document all rely on the new security properties provided by quantum communications
and this is discussed extensively. However, as this document does not define an architecture nor a
specific protocol for the Quantum Internet, the security considerations are limited to high-level
observations rather than concrete recommendations.