Quantum Networks require optimized performance in terms of losses, synchronization, entanglement distribution management, noise, etc., and these performance metrics have to be improved by orders of magnitude compared to classical networks. The project focusses on establishing a quantum network testbed at the NIST Gaithersburg campus to: 
1. study quantum (qubit) systems (such as entangled photon sources, detectors, memories, interfaces) and their performance in a real life heterogenized quantum network setting, including to understand the impacts from other connected systems and links on the performance of certain critical quantum systems; 
2. develop methods to integrate quantum components into a real life heterogenized quantum network setting;
3. develop and implement methods to study the performance of quantum network links (such as tomography measurements, fiber characterization, etc.);
4. design, implement and test methods for optimization of photonic quantum networks (such as for timing synchronization, phase control, polarization control, etc.);
5. develop and test management protocols for quantum communications over a quantum network (such as a quantum network manager);
6. develop and execute of quantum experiments (such as entanglement distribution) and quantum communications (such as teleportation) on a quantum network.