Cisco Unveils Quantum Chip to Accelerate Computing Timeline
Cisco has revealed a research prototype quantum chip that could transform the timeline for practical quantum computing applications. Developed with University of California Santa Barbara, the quantum network entanglement chip generates one million entangled photon pairs per second and operates at room temperature, potentially reducing the development timeline for practical quantum computing from decades to approximately five years.
Addressing computing scale limitations
The prototype quantum chip generates pairs of entangled photons at telecom wavelengths, creating quantum connections that function regardless of physical distance. These entangled photons serve as the quantum equivalent of network connections in contemporary internet architecture and provide the essential resource that allows quantum processors to work together coherently.
“Today’s quantum processors have only hundreds of qubits, while applications require millions,” explains Vijoy Pandey, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Outshift by Cisco. “Even the most ambitious quantum computing roadmaps currently only target a few thousand qubits by 2030.”
The challenge resembles one faced by classical computing decades ago, which was resolved through networking infrastructure that connected smaller nodes to create distributed systems.
“Just as the use of large classical monolithic computer systems phased out, the future of quantum does not lie in a single monolithic quantum computer. Scaled-out quantum data centers, where processors work together through specialised networking, will be the practical and achievable path forward,” says Vijoy.
Cisco opens dedicated Quantum Labs facility
The company has announced the opening of Cisco Quantum Labs, a research facility in Santa Monica, California, providing a facility where researchers can experiment with quantum networking solutions bridging theoretical concepts and practical implementation.
Beyond the entanglement chip, Cisco researchers are using the lab to advance research prototypes of additional components needed to complete their vision of the quantum networking stack. These include entanglement distribution protocols, a distributed quantum computing compiler, Quantum Network Development Kit and a Quantum Random Number Generator using quantum vacuum noise.
Simultaneously, Cisco teams are implementing Post-Quantum Cryptography NIST standards across their portfolio to ensure classical networks remain secure in a post-quantum environment.
Quantum networking tech works with existing infrastructure
The quantum network entanglement chip offers several technical advantages that distinguish it from other quantum computing approaches. It operates at standard telecom wavelengths and can leverage existing fibre optic infrastructure. The chip functions at room temperature as a miniaturised Photonic Integrated Chip, making it suitable for system deployment. The device consumes less than 1mW of power while generating one million high-fidelity entanglement pairs per output channel, with rates of up to 200 million entanglement pairs per second in chip.
- Cisco's quantum network entanglement chip generates one million entangled photon pairs per second at telecom wavelengths, functioning at room temperature with less than 1mW power consumption
- The technology could reduce practical quantum computing development timeline from decades to approximately five years by enabling scaled-out quantum data centres
- Cisco Quantum Labs in Santa Monica is developing additional components including entanglement distribution protocols, a distributed quantum computing compiler, and a Quantum Network Development Kit
This approach positions Cisco to deliver quantum networking capabilities that work with any quantum computing technology rather than focusing on a specific type such as superconducting, ion trap, or neutral atom-based systems.
The company has developed a two-path strategy for quantum networking technology. The first focuses on building infrastructure to connect quantum processors at scale, enabling distributed quantum computing, quantum sensing, and optimisation algorithms for applications in drug discovery, materials science, and logistics problems. The second path applies quantum networking principles to provide benefits to classical systems through use cases including secure communication, time synchronisation, decision signalling, and secure location verification.
“What makes our quantum networking approach powerful is our focus on both software and hardware development,” says Vijoy. “By developing our own network hardware components such as the chip alongside our full software stack, we gain unique insights into how these elements work together to build complete quantum networking infrastructure.”
“While some companies focus solely on one type of quantum computing technology, Cisco is building a vendor-agnostic framework that works with any quantum computing technology. This approach mirrors Cisco’s historical strength in networking – we don’t need to pick winners because we're building the networking fabric that will enable various quantum technologies to scale.”
Explore the latest edition of Technology Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Tech & AI LIVE.
Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.
Technology Magazine is a BizClik brand
