NetSquid, a NETwork Simulator for QUantum Information using Discrete events

To realize quantum networks, understanding the requirements of quantum network protocols and the underlying quantum hardware is crucial. Detailed architectural proposals are often too complex for mathematical analysis, necessitating numerical simulation. This paper introduces NetSquid, a discrete-event-based simulator for quantum networks and modular quantum computing systems, capable of simulating all aspects from the physical layer to the application level. Several use cases demonstrate NetSquid's capabilities, including detailed physical layer simulations of repeater chains using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond and atomic ensembles, control plane simulations of a quantum switch, and entanglement distribution simulations across a network of up to 1000 nodes.

Tim Coopmans, Robert Knegjens, Axel Dahlberg, David Maier, Loek Nijsten, Julio de Oliveira Filho, Martijn Papendrecht, Julian Rabbie, Filip Rozpędek, Matthew Skrzypczyk, Leon Wubben, Walter de Jong, Damian Podareanu, Ariana Torres-Knoop, David Elkouss, Stephanie Wehner