Quantum entanglement distribution using multiple optical paths and automated switchover

A service provider network system, comprising:

• a source site for providing quantum entangled particles;
• a receiver site for receiving quantum entangled particles transmitted from the source site;
• a plurality of optical paths connecting the source site and the receiver site,
• wherein the source site and the receiver site comprise:
• one or more switches coupled to the plurality of optical paths;
• and
• one or more power detectors configured to detect signal power for light transmitted using respective ones of the plurality of optical paths;
• and
• one or more computing devices configured to implement a quantum entanglement distribution controller, the quantum entanglement distribution controller configured to:
• cause quantum entangled particles to be transmitted from the source site to the receiver site via a first one of the plurality of optical paths;
• concurrently cause service channel information to be transmitted from the source site to the receiver site via a second one of the plurality of optical paths, wherein the second optical path is configured to perform transmission of the quantum entangled particles;
• receive signal power measurements from the one or more power detectors, wherein the signal power measurements indicate a signal power for the service channel information being concurrently transmitted via the second optical path while the entangled particles are being transmitted via the first optical path;
• and
• in response to the signal power measurements for the service channel information falling below a threshold level:
• cause the one or more switches to route the service channel information from the source site to the receiver site via the first optical path;
• and
• provide an indication that the second optical path is currently unavailable as a spare optical path for transmission of the quantum entangled particles from the source site to the receiver site.