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QuNetSim

Free#27 of 30 in Network Simulation Software

QuNetSim: A focused, open-source choice for learning and prototyping quantum network protocols. Ranked #27 of 30 in Network Simulation Software by our editors (6.4/10); pricing: Open source; best for quantum network simulation researchers.

6.4/10Editor score

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At a glance

Editor score
6.4 / 10
Pricing
Open source
Best for
Quantum network simulation researchers
Paid from
Free
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Models quantum and classical network layers with discrete-event simulation
- Supports teleportation, EPR distribution, routing, and quantum protocols
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with interchangeable backends
Where it doesn't
- Not designed to accurately simulate quantum physics
- Its quantum focus limits general network-simulation usefulness
- Desktop deployment does not provide real-time or hardware-in-the-loop capability

Our verdict on QuNetSim

QuNetSim is an open-source Python framework for developing and testing quantum networking applications and protocols. It is aimed mainly at students, instructors, learners, and researchers exploring quantum networks. The framework models both quantum and classical network layers through event-driven, discrete-event simulation, with support for teleportation, EPR-pair distribution, superdense coding, quantum key distribution examples, and custom routing functions. Python package installation through pip and support for Windows, macOS, and Linux make it suitable for desktop-based work.

Its strongest feature is the breadth of quantum-network concepts available within one simulation framework. Users can work with interchangeable quantum-network backends, including SimulaQron, ProjectQ, and EQSN, while the network templater can generate example projects. These capabilities support experimentation with protocol logic, routing, and interactions between classical and quantum layers. The published feature set makes QuNetSim a practical fit for educational projects and early-stage quantum networking research that benefits from Python access and configurable simulation components.

QuNetSim has a deliberately narrow scope. The official documentation describes it as an educational tool and states that it is not designed to accurately simulate quantum physics, so it is not the right choice for physics-accurate modeling. Its desktop deployment and specialized quantum focus also make it less suitable for general-purpose network simulation, real-time emulation, or hardware-in-the-loop work. Choose QuNetSim when quantum networking protocols, learning, and open-source Python development are the priority; choose an alternative when broader network coverage or physical accuracy matters more.

Your product? Our editors can test QuNetSim in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

QuNetSim pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on github.com

QuNetSim fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	Free
Simulation model	Discrete-event
Real-time emulation	Not verified
Hardware-in-the-loop	Not verified
Deployment options	Desktop
Documented node limit	Not verified
Automation API	Yes
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Open source
Website	github.com
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

Alternatives to QuNetSim

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Featured on iTechGuides

QuNetSim is listed in our Network Simulation Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update