The article discusses the development and challenges of quantum networks, which are composed of multiple nodes and channels for quantum information processing, communication, and metrology. Quantum networks require new scientific capabilities for generating and characterizing quantum coherence and entanglement, with quantum interconnects being fundamental to their operation. The article highlights the importance of quantum connectivity in networks, which allows for the distribution of entanglement and the teleportation of quantum states between nodes. It also emphasizes the advantages of quantum connectivity over classical connectivity, particularly in terms of the exponentially larger state space that can be achieved in quantum networks. The article reviews the progress in cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) and the interaction of light with atomic ensembles, focusing on strong coupling between single photons and atoms. It describes the theoretical and experimental advancements in generating and transferring quantum states, including the reversible mapping of quantum states between light and matter. The DLCZ protocol, a realistic scheme for entanglement distribution using a quantum-repeater architecture, is discussed in detail, along with its implementation and verification. The article concludes by highlighting the current state of quantum network development, noting that while significant progress has been made, there are still challenges in realizing robust and scalable network protocols. It emphasizes the need for further research in areas such as quantum memories, local quantum processing, quantum repeaters, and error-corrected teleportation. The article also discusses the broader implications of quantum networks, including advancements in understanding quantum dynamical systems and the creation of new physics from controlled nonlinear interactions of single photons and atoms.The article discusses the development and challenges of quantum networks, which are composed of multiple nodes and channels for quantum information processing, communication, and metrology. Quantum networks require new scientific capabilities for generating and characterizing quantum coherence and entanglement, with quantum interconnects being fundamental to their operation. The article highlights the importance of quantum connectivity in networks, which allows for the distribution of entanglement and the teleportation of quantum states between nodes. It also emphasizes the advantages of quantum connectivity over classical connectivity, particularly in terms of the exponentially larger state space that can be achieved in quantum networks. The article reviews the progress in cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) and the interaction of light with atomic ensembles, focusing on strong coupling between single photons and atoms. It describes the theoretical and experimental advancements in generating and transferring quantum states, including the reversible mapping of quantum states between light and matter. The DLCZ protocol, a realistic scheme for entanglement distribution using a quantum-repeater architecture, is discussed in detail, along with its implementation and verification. The article concludes by highlighting the current state of quantum network development, noting that while significant progress has been made, there are still challenges in realizing robust and scalable network protocols. It emphasizes the need for further research in areas such as quantum memories, local quantum processing, quantum repeaters, and error-corrected teleportation. The article also discusses the broader implications of quantum networks, including advancements in understanding quantum dynamical systems and the creation of new physics from controlled nonlinear interactions of single photons and atoms.