Developed in collaboration with the University of California, Santa Barbara, the chip lies at the heart of Cisco’s long-term quantum networking vision. What sets it apart is its compatibility with existing telecom infrastructure and its emphasis on practical, energy-efficient deployment. Operating at standard telecom wavelengths, the chip generates entangled photon pairs—fundamental to quantum communication—enabling instantaneous transmission of information via quantum teleportation.
Despite the complexity of quantum systems, Cisco's prototype achieves remarkable technical efficiencies. It operates at room temperature and is packaged as a Photonic Integrated Chip (PIC), consuming under 1 milliwatt of power while producing up to 200 million entangled photon pairs per second. These features make it well-suited for real-world, scalable quantum network deployments.
Beyond the chip, Cisco Quantum Labs is positioned to accelerate the development of key technologies necessary for a full quantum networking stack. These include protocols for entanglement distribution, a distributed quantum computing compiler, a Quantum Network Development Kit (QNDK), and a Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) based on quantum vacuum noise—all crucial components for building a robust and functional quantum network.
Cisco's quantum strategy follows a dual-path approach. The first focuses on building the physical and logical infrastructure needed to connect quantum processors across distances. This includes enabling applications like distributed quantum computing and quantum sensing. The second path applies quantum principles to enhance classical systems—introducing advancements in secure communication, precise time synchronization, decision signaling, and location verification.
Unlike companies narrowly focused on one quantum computing modality, Cisco is taking a vendor-agnostic, systems-level approach. By integrating both hardware and software into its quantum roadmap, the company aims to create an adaptable network fabric capable of interfacing with diverse quantum computing technologies. This strategy echoes Cisco's legacy as a leader in network architecture and positions it at the forefront of quantum-era connectivity.
Cisco is also preparing classical systems for the coming shift by incorporating Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) standards developed by NIST across its product lines. These efforts signal a broader vision: securing and scaling future quantum networks while strengthening the foundations of today’s digital infrastructure. Additional components of Cisco’s quantum data center roadmap are expected to be revealed in the near future.