  Realization of a globe-spanning quantum network is a current worldwide goal,
where near and long term implementations will benefit from connectivity between
platforms optimized for specific tasks. Towards this goal, a quantum network
architecture is herewith proposed whereby quantum processing devices based on
NV$^-$ colour centers act as quantum routers and, between which, long-distance
entanglement distribution is enabled by spectrally-multiplexed quantum
repeaters based on absorptive quantum memories in rare-earth ion-doped crystals
and imperfect entangled photon-pair sources. The inclusion of a quantum buffer
structure between repeaters and routers is shown to, albeit the increased
complexity, improve the achievable entanglement distribution rates in the
network. Although the expected rate and fidelity results are presented for a
simple linear network (point-to-point), complex topologies are compatible with
the proposed architecture through the inclusion of an extra layer of temporal
multiplexing in the quantum router's operation. Figures of merit are extracted
based on parameters found in the literature for near-term scenarios and attest
the availability of the proposed buffered-router-assisted frequency-multiplexed
automated repeater chain network.
