A method for routing in a quantum network is provided. The method may include receiving parameters including a fidelity with coherence decay time and an entanglement generation rate for each quantum node in a mesh quantum network by a controller, the controller being configured to communicate with each quantum node of a plurality of quantum nodes in the mesh quantum network. Each quantum node includes a quantum memory and a processor. The method may also include analyzing the fidelity with coherence decay time and the entanglement generation rate to yield a determination of a path fidelity with a path coherence decay time and a path entanglement generation rate between at least one pair of quantum nodes. The method may further include, based on the determination, selecting a quantum communication path from a source node to a destination node.