  Quantum communication research has in recent years shifted to include
multi-partite networks for which questions of quantum network routing naturally
emerge. To understand the potential for multi-partite routing, we focus on the
most promising architectures for future quantum networks - those connecting
nodes close to each other. Nearest-neighbour networks such as rings, lines, and
grids, have been studied under different communication scenarios to facilitate
the sharing of quantum resources, especially in the presence of bottlenecks. We
here analyze the potential of nearest-neighbour quantum networks and identify
some serious limitations, by demonstrating that rings and lines cannot overcome
common bottleneck communication problems.
