Distributed Quantum Error Correction: Advancements and Future Research Directions

The transition from monolithic quantum computing architectures to distributed quantum computing (DQC) is inevitable due to the limited number of qubits available in a single quantum processing unit (QPU) and the growing demand for utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum systems. As a part of this transition, distributed quantum error correction (DQEC) emerges as a foundational component for addressing the error-prone nature of qubit storage and gate operations across multiple QPUs. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the DQEC code families, including both topological and hypergraph product codes. We highlight how DQEC frameworks can enhance effective computational capacity and enable the realization of complex and scalable quantum codes on distributed quantum platforms. We also discuss the advantages and constraints associated with various stages of DQEC, including code design, encoding, syndrome extraction, and decoding. Furthermore, we outline key technical challenges and explore promising directions for future research to emphasize the pivotal role of DQC in advancing DQEC codes and shaping the development of future-generation quantum error correction codes.