New Delhi, India, November 21- IBM and Cisco have unveiled plans to create networks of quantum computers by the early 2030s. Their goal is to demonstrate that linking these advanced machines over long distances is possible. This breakthrough could pave the way for a quantum internet, promising faster and more secure communication worldwide.
Quantum computers are designed to solve problems in physics, chemistry, and cybersecurity that traditional systems would take thousands of years to complete. However, building reliable quantum machines remains a challenge. They are error-prone and require extremely cold environments to function. IBM aims to deliver a fully operational quantum computer by 2029. Meanwhile, Cisco opened a dedicated lab earlier this year to explore how these machines can connect effectively.
The technical challenge begins inside IBM’s cryogenic tanks, where atoms barely move. These tanks store information in stationary qubits, the basic unit of quantum computing. To transmit data, IBM must convert these stationary qubits into “flying” qubits that travel as microwave signals. This step is essential for moving information beyond the confines of the cryogenic chamber.
However, microwave signals cannot travel long distances efficiently. To overcome this, IBM and Cisco plan to transform these signals into optical ones that can move through fiber-optic cables. Fiber optics form the backbone of today’s internet, making them the ideal medium for quantum data transfer. The conversion process will require a new device called a microwave-optical transducer. This technology does not yet exist and will need to be developed from scratch.
To achieve this, IBM and Cisco will collaborate with leading research institutions. One key partner will be the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center, led by the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory near Chicago. These collaborations will focus on creating the hardware needed for quantum networking.
Alongside hardware development, IBM and Cisco plan to release open-source software that integrates all components of the system. This approach will encourage innovation and ensure compatibility across different technologies. “We are looking at this end-to-end as a system rather than two separate roadmaps,” said Vijoy Pandey, senior vice president of Cisco’s Outshift innovation incubator. He added that solving the problem jointly gives the project a better chance of success.
The companies believe that publishing open-source tools will accelerate progress and attract contributions from universities and federal laboratories. These partnerships will be critical because many of the required technologies are still in the research phase. Scaling them for real-world use will take years of development and testing.
Although the road ahead is long, the potential benefits are enormous. In particular, quantum networks could transform industries ranging from healthcare to finance. Moreover, they could enable breakthroughs in drug discovery, optimize supply chains, and provide ultra-secure communication channels resistant to hacking. Consequently, for governments and businesses, this technology could fundamentally redefine data security standards.
IBM and Cisco’s announcement signals growing momentum in the quantum computing industry. Meanwhile, other tech giants, including Google and Microsoft, are also investing heavily in quantum research. Nevertheless, IBM and Cisco’s focus on networking sets them apart, as they are addressing one of the most critical hurdles in building a quantum internet.
For now, the companies are primarily focused on proving that such a system can work. Furthermore, they aim to demonstrate a functional quantum network by the end of the next decade. If successful, this achievement would, therefore, mark a historic milestone in computing and communication technology.
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