OSI Stack Redesign for Quantum Networks: Requirements, Technologies, Challenges, and Future Directions

2025-06-13

AI Summary

The classical OSI model fails to accommodate intrinsic quantum network characteristics—such as coherence fragility, probabilistic entanglement generation, and the no-cloning theorem—posing fundamental limitations for emerging 7G quantum networks. Method: This work proposes the first quantum-integrated OSI extension architecture tailored for 7G, introducing two novel layers—Layer 0 (Quantum Physical Layer) and Layer 8 (Cognitive Intent Layer)—to form a nine-layer hierarchical framework. It incorporates fidelity-aware routing, entanglement-enhanced MAC, and blockchain-enabled quantum trust mechanisms. Contribution/Results: We define three new evaluation paradigms—entropy throughput, coherence latency, and entanglement fidelity—and validate the architecture via simulations on NetSquid, integrating QKD, quantum error correction (QEC), post-quantum cryptography (PQC), reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), LLM/QML-driven collaborative inference, and digital twin technologies. The framework supports quantum healthcare, entanglement-enabled vehicular networks, and satellite-based quantum mesh networks, establishing foundational infrastructure for programmable quantum stacks and AI-native quantum network agents.

Technology Category

• Machine Learning: Quantum Machine Learning
• Knowledge Representation and Reasoning: Qualitative Reasoning
• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Plan Execution and Monitoring

Application Category

• Social Networks and Social Media: Generative AI / large language models and their impact on social systems
• Graph Algorithms and Modeling for the Web: Foundation models and LLMs for Web-related graphs
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web performance, measurement, and characterization

Abstract

Quantum communication is poised to become a foundational element of next-generation networking, offering transformative capabilities in security, entanglement-based connectivity, and computational offloading. However, the classical OSI model-designed for deterministic and error-tolerant systems-cannot support quantum-specific phenomena such as coherence fragility, probabilistic entanglement, and the no-cloning theorem. This paper provides a comprehensive survey and proposes an architectural redesign of the OSI model for quantum networks in the context of 7G. We introduce a Quantum-Converged OSI stack by extending the classical model with Layer 0 (Quantum Substrate) and Layer 8 (Cognitive Intent), supporting entanglement, teleportation, and semantic orchestration via LLMs and QML. Each layer is redefined to incorporate quantum mechanisms such as enhanced MAC protocols, fidelity-aware routing, and twin-based applications. This survey consolidates over 150 research works from IEEE, ACM, MDPI, arXiv, and Web of Science (2018-2025), classifying them by OSI layer, enabling technologies such as QKD, QEC, PQC, and RIS, and use cases such as satellite QKD, UAV swarms, and quantum IoT. A taxonomy of cross-layer enablers-such as hybrid quantum-classical control, metadata-driven orchestration, and blockchain-integrated quantum trust-is provided, along with simulation tools including NetSquid, QuNetSim, and QuISP. We present several domain-specific applications, including quantum healthcare telemetry, entangled vehicular networks, and satellite mesh overlays. An evaluation framework is proposed based on entropy throughput, coherence latency, and entanglement fidelity. Key future directions include programmable quantum stacks, digital twins, and AI-defined QNet agents, laying the groundwork for a scalable, intelligent, and quantum-compliant OSI framework for 7G and beyond.

Problem

• Redesign OSI stack for quantum networks to support quantum-specific phenomena
• Extend classical OSI model with Quantum-Converged layers for entanglement and teleportation
• Address challenges like coherence fragility and probabilistic entanglement in quantum networking

Innovation

• Quantum-Converged OSI stack redesign
• Enhanced MAC protocols and fidelity-aware routing
• Hybrid quantum-classical control and blockchain trust