Cisco sets its sights on quantum data centres

Cisco is pushing the frontiers of quantum technology with a focus on practical quantum networks and data centres.

At its recent Quantum Summit 2024, Cisco brought together industry experts to explore breakthroughs in everything from quantum networking to security. However, its vision for a next-generation quantum data centre took centre stage.

Cisco’s ambitious concept for a quantum data centre envisions a facility capable of handling multiple quantum circuits with dynamic network interconnections and a variety of entanglement protocols. According to Reza Nejabati, head of Cisco’s quantum research team at Outshift, traditional approaches to scaling quantum computers – like building massive single systems with millions of qubits – are simply impractical with current technology.

“Instead, it’s more realistic to network smaller quantum computers within a centralised data centre,” he explained. This setup, known as a quantum data centre, would connect a large number of processors in a controlled environment to offer quantum computing as a scalable service.

Earlier this year, Cisco hinted at the potential of quantum data centres that could connect quantum computers over classic LAN models and fibre links. This architecture could enable high-speed transmission of quantum bits, or qubits, between servers, opening doors for commercial-grade applications. “We’re also aiming to connect quantum sensors to integrate IoT devices,” Nejabati added, explaining that this could enable a broader, distributed sensing network.

Cisco’s approach would allow customers to use existing fibre infrastructure for quantum entanglement, avoiding the need for an entirely new network setup.

This concept is centred on Cisco’s quantum network fabric, QFabric, designed to support reliable, high-speed quantum connections. QFabric would serve as the core of Cisco’s quantum switch, facilitating the smooth transmission of entangled photons between devices. This switch would support various entanglement modes while offering ultra-low loss and minimal time delay to ensure secure, seamless connectivity. Cisco’s goal is to support a scalable, multi-tenant quantum network that can dynamically adjust to meet user demands.

Cisco prioritises security when building this quantum network infrastructure. QFabric will include quantum key distribution (QKD) capabilities, allowing for secure key sharing through the principles of quantum mechanics.

Cisco is also developing a hybrid key management system that combines QKD with post-quantum cryptography (PQC), which uses complex algorithms to defend against future quantum attacks. The company has even created its own quantum random number generator, a crucial tool for strong cryptography.

Complementing the hardware, Cisco is developing Quantum Orchestra, a software package that manages entanglement, routing, and resource allocation in the quantum network. Quantum Orchestra will optimise network performance by assigning tasks based on the network’s topology and device distribution, minimising execution time and improving efficiency.

So far, much of the development has been in simulation, but Cisco expects to publish its findings soon, offering a glimpse into the transformative potential of quantum networks for industries reliant on secure, high-speed computing.

(Photo by Taylor Vick)

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Tags: Cisco, cloud, Data Centres