  Quantum networking relies on entanglement distribution between distant nodes,
typically realized by swapping procedures. However, entanglement swapping is a
demanding task in practice, mainly because of limited effectiveness of
entangled photon sources and Bell-state measurements necessary to realize the
process. Here we experimentally activate a remote distribution of two-photon
polarization entanglement superseding the need for initial entangled pairs and
traditional Bell-state measurements. This alternative procedure is accomplished
thanks to the controlled spatial indistinguishability of four independent
photons in three separated nodes of the network, which enables us to perform
localized product-state measurements in the central node acting as a trigger.
This experiment proves that the inherent indistinguishability of identical
particles supplies new standards for feasible quantum communication in
multinode photonic quantum networks.
