Title page 1

Contents 3

Acknowledgments 2

Executive Summary 4

Introduction 6

Core Concepts in Quantum Networking 7

Quantum Networking Applications: Promise, Limitations, and Status 9

Technical Requirements and Challenges 15

A Comparative Assessment of U.S. and Chinese Ecosystems 18

Recommendations 24

Conclusion 27

Appendix 28

Table 1. U.S.-Headquartered Companies Developing Quantum Networking and Enabling Technology 22

Figure 1. Quantum Networking Connects Diverse Nodes Across Varying Scales and Link Types to Enable Strategic Applications 8

Figure 2. The Washington Metropolitan Quantum Network (DC-QNet) Testbed Links Six Federal Sites for the Characterization and... 20

Table A1. Country Positions on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) 28

Table A2. Quantum Network Testbeds in the United States 30