IBM and Cisco Collaborate on Quantum Networking Technology

Cisco and IBM set a target for a proof-of-concept of large-scale networking technology for quantum computing. They believe that this effort could deliver the next wave of devices and connectivity by the late 2030s.

The companies aim to provide an initial demonstration of the networking techniques within five years and stated their work could ultimately deliver a quantum internet employing compatible computers, sensors, and communication setups. Cisco and IBM’s collaboration on networked distributed quantum computing will involve researching ways to transmit qubits over long distances.

Technologies, including optical-photon and microwave-optical transducers, are in the frame for exploration, along with work to establish how they could be integrated into relevant networks. The proof-of-concept involves entangling qubits from multiple separate quantum computers located in distinct cryogenic environments, a task that requires the development of new optical connection systems, Cisco stated. Their ultimate goal is to develop relevant hardware and software that establishes a physical connection between numerous large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers.

IBM is tasked with building a quantum networking unit (QNU) to interface with a namesake processing unit to make inactive information active. Cisco’s work involves distributing entangled information to random pairs of QNUs on demand. The company stated it is working on a high-speed software protocol framework capable of continuously and dynamically reconfiguring network paths so entanglements could be distributed to the QNUs when they are done with their partial computations.

IBM and Cisco also target developing a network bridge to connect nodes with processors in a data centre using the QNU interface. “This would scale a larger quantum network across even larger distances to form the groundwork for a future quantum computing internet”, Cisco explained. The companies also plan to jointly fund academic research and relevant projects to advance the quantum computing goals.