​​The integration of quantum physics and information technology has forged the so-called quantum information technology (QIT). QIT has promoted the booming of the second quantum revolution and will have a profound impact on ICT networks.

Quantum computation is a new computation model that follows the laws of quantum mechanics to control quantum information units. Combined with the quantum parallelism, quantum information processing has greater potential than classical information processing. Quantum computers represent a breakthrough in Moore's Law, implying enormous computing power potential. Quantum computer has potential applications in many fields, such as optimization over huge data sets and design of new materials and molecular functions.

Quantum communication includes a class of novel communication technologies that is based on the transmission of quantum signals, such as quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum teleportation, quantum repeater. QKD is an area of great interest in QIT application at this moment. Metro/backbone QKD networks have been constructed and satellite-based quantum communication experimental applications have been realized in last decade. In the future, quantum repeater would be an essential building block in constructing distributed quantum computing.

Quantum metrology is the study of measurement techniques that give higher resolution and sensibility in measurements of physical parameters than the same measurement performed in a classical framework. 

Quantum information network (QIN) is expected to connect quantum information processing nodes, including QKD nodes, quantum computers and quantum sensors, via quantum communication technologies such as quantum teleportation and quantum repeating, to realize quantum information transmission and networking. QIN has potential to provide series of new applications, such as distributed quantum computing and quantum sensor network.

The ITU-T Focus Group on “Quantum information technology for networks” (FG-QIT4N) would provide a platform to study QIT for networks. It engages researchers, engineers, practitioners, entrepreneurs and policy makers, to take full advantages of ability and potential of QIT in networks.

2. Objectives

This Focus Group will provide a collaborative platform for pre-standardization aspects of QIT for the ICT networks, with the following objectives:

• Considering evolution and applications of QIT for networks.
• The topics of study include:
  • telecom/network aspects of QKD networks that are identified in close coordination with ITU-T SG13 and SG17 as not within the scope of SG13 (QKD network architecture aspects) and SG17 (security aspects of QKD network and applications of QRNG for security)
  • QIN technology and network evolution.
• The FG outputs will focus on terminology and use cases. The FG will reference relevant terminology defined in the pertinent ITU-T SGs. When necessary, the FG will liaise with the relevant SGs if terminology needs to evolve to take into account technology evolution.
• To provide necessary technical background information and collaborative conditions in order to effectively support QIN-related standardization work in ITU-T study groups.
• To provide an open cooperation platform with ITU-T study groups and other SDOs, including collaborative standardization work, co-located meetings, and workshop on quantum topic.

3. Structure

The FG-QIT4N may establish sub-groups if needed. 

4. Specific tasks and deliverables

The expected tasks with potential deliverables for QIT4N are listed below:

• To collaborate and cooperate with study groups and other SDOs and sub-groups, such as ETSI ISG-QKD, ETSI TC Cyber, IEEE, ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 27/WG3, ISO/IEC JTC1 AG4, IETF, IRTF.
• To develop technical report(s) about evolution and applications of QIT (e.g., quantum computing, quantum communication) for networks.
• To develop technical report(s) on telecom/network aspects of QKD networks that are identified in close coordination with ITU-T SG13 and SG17 as not within the scope of SG13 (QKD network architecture aspects) and SG17 (security aspects of QKD network and applications of QRNG for security), focused on terminologies, new use cases, protocols and transport technologies.
• To develop technical report(s) on the evolution of QIN focused on terminologies and use cases.
• To organize thematic workshops on QIT for networks, which will bring together interested stakeholders to promote the FG activities, and encourage both ITU members and non-ITU members to jointly contribute on this topic.

5. Relationships

This Focus Group will work in close collaboration with all ITU-T study groups, especially SG13, SG17, SG15, SG2 and SG11.This FG QIT4N will collaborate with relevant entities, in accordance with Recommendation ITU-T A.7.

These entities include the following: SDOs, industry forums and consortia (such as ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 27/WG3, ISO/IEC JTC1 AG4, ETSI ISG-QKD, ETSI TC Cyber, IEEE-SA, IETF, IRTF), tech companies, academic institutions, research institutions and other relevant organizations.

6. Parent group

The parent group is TSAG.

7. Leadership

See clause 2.3 of Recommendation ITU-T A.7.   

8. Participation

See clause 3 of Recommendation ITU-T A.7. A list of participants will be maintained for reference purposes and reported to the parent group.

It is important to mention that the participation in this Focus Group has to be based on contributions and active participations.

9. Administrative support

See clause 5 of Recommendation ITU-T A.7.

10. General financing

See clauses 4 and 10.2 of Recommendation ITU-T A.7.   

11. Meetings

The schedule and location of meetings will be determined by the Focus Group and the overall meetings plan will be announced after the approval of the terms of reference.

The Focus Group will work electronically using teleconferences and with face-to-face meetings. Meetings will be held as determined by the Focus Group and the meetings will be announced by electronic means (e.g., e-mail and website, etc.) at least four weeks in advance.

12. Technical contributions

See clause 8 of Recommendation ITU-T A.7.   

13. Working language

The working language is English.   

14. Approval of deliverables

See clause 10.1 of Recommendation ITU-T A.7.   

15. Working guidelines

See clause 13 of Recommendation ITU-T A.7.   

16. Progress reports

See clause 11 of Recommendation ITU-T A.7.   

17. Announcement of Focus Group formation

The formation of the Focus Group will be announced via TSB Circular to all ITU membership, via the ITU-T News log, press releases and other means, including communication with the other involved organizations.    

18. Milestones and duration of the Focus Group

The Focus Group lifetime is set for one year from the first meeting and reports to the last TSAG meeting before WTSA-20. See ITU-T A.7, clause 2.2.

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