We investigate the differences between distributing entanglement using star- and ring-type network topologies. Assuming symmetrically distributed users, we assess the relative merits of the two network topologies as a function of the number of users when the amount of resources and the type of the quantum channel are kept fixed. For limited resources, we find that the topology better suited for entanglement distribution could differ from that which is more suitable for classical communications.

• Received 20 February 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.66.032320