As part of QDNL’s Visitor’s Programme, Ziyan Zhang, a PhD researcher from the University of Amsterdam, visited both Telefónica and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M). During the exchange, he explored how programmable quantum network protocols perform in realistic conditions.

Specifically, he worked closely with both researchers and engineers using the quantum network emulator, Enreditto.  Together, they explored its potential to evaluate quantum position-verification protocols and how factors such as timing uncertainty, synchronisation errors, device limitations, and control-plane latency influence protocol performance. The visit also provided valuable insight into the hardware and software limitations that could affect protocol performance and deployment in future quantum networks.

Working with the team in Madrid on more practical applications opened a new line of thought for Ziyan, prompting him to refine assumptions made in his previous theoretical research. 

Ziyan’s visit helped him establish new connections with researchers and engineers from Telefónica and UC3M, bringing together expertise from both academic and industry perspectives - something those involved on both sides wish to continue. 

“We already have plans to continue the collaboration in three ways: further developing the emulator, refining the quantum position verification use case, and preparing a journal publication based on the work conducted during the visit,” adds Ziyan.

The QDNL Visitor Programme supports knowledge exchanges to foster collaboration and accelerate innovation across Europe’s growing quantum ecosystem.