TLDR
- IBM and Cisco are partnering to build networks of quantum computers, targeting a proof-of-concept within three to five years
- The collaboration aims to develop a quantum internet by the early 2030s that could link quantum systems over long distances
- The network could eventually handle trillions of quantum operations for tasks like drug design and complex optimization problems
- Quantum computers currently operate in isolation because quantum networking technology doesn’t exist yet
- IBM deployed a 1,000-qubit system in December 2023 and plans to have a fault-tolerant quantum machine by 2029
IBM and Cisco Systems announced plans Thursday to develop networks that connect quantum computers over long distances. The companies are targeting a proof-of-concept by the end of 2030.
The partnership addresses a current limitation in quantum computing. Right now, quantum computers operate in isolation because quantum networking technology doesn’t exist yet. Each system has to work on its own.
Classical computers already operate over networks like the internet. They exchange data and communicate with each other constantly. Quantum computers can’t do this yet.
International Business Machines Corporation, IBM
The new collaboration aims to change that. IBM and Cisco plan to deliver their first proof-of-concept within the next three to five years. Over the following decade, they’ll work to link more systems across increasingly longer distances.
The partnership makes sense given the companies’ history. Cisco has partnered with IBM since 1999 and maintains a reputation as a networking leader. Earlier this year, Cisco opened a lab specifically to investigate quantum machine connections.
Technical Challenges Ahead
The project faces real technical hurdles. IBM’s quantum computers sit in massive cryogenic tanks that reach extremely cold temperatures. Getting information out requires transforming stationary “qubits” into what IBM calls “flying” qubits that travel as microwaves.
Those microwave qubits then need conversion into optical signals. These signals must travel between Cisco switches on fiber-optic cables. The technology for this transformation is called a microwave-optical transducer, and it doesn’t exist yet.
IBM and Cisco will develop these technologies with help from universities and federal laboratories. The Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center, led by the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory near Chicago, is one partner. The companies also plan to publish open-source software to integrate all the components.
Potential Applications
Once operational, the quantum network could execute problems requiring up to trillions of quantum operations. Industries could use it for massive optimization challenges. Scientists could design new medicines and materials.
IBM envisions quantum sensor networks detecting tiny changes in climate and weather. The company calls this work a potential “groundwork for a future quantum computing internet.”
Other quantum computing companies have shown interest in networking too. IonQ and Rigetti Computing executives have both discussed the concept in previous interviews.
IBM’s Track Record
IBM has a history of meeting its quantum computing goals. In 2022, the company said it would release a 1,000-qubit system the following year. IBM delivered with the launch of IBM Condor in December 2023.
IBM Research boss Jay Gambetta previously stated the company only discloses targets it believes it can meet. This disciplined approach gives investors reason to trust the quantum networking timeline.
IBM has deployed more quantum computers worldwide than any other company. The firm has installed at least 25 systems with over 100 logical qubits.
The company is also working toward fault-tolerant quantum computers. These machines can continue operating even when errors occur. Last month, scientists ran a quantum error-correction algorithm on classical hardware from Advanced Micro Devices.
Classical computers are already fault-tolerant by design. Quantum computers are more delicate because their operations follow quantum mechanics principles. Qubits are sensitive to environmental disturbances.
Complete error-free machines aren’t realistic. But creating computers that maintain normal operations despite disturbances is the final hurdle before quantum breaks out of labs.
IBM plans to have an operational fault-tolerant machine by 2029. This timeline aligns with the quantum networking goals announced Thursday.
Vijoy Pandey, senior vice president of Cisco’s Outshift innovation incubator, emphasized the joint approach. “We are looking at this end-to-end as a system rather than two discrete road maps,” he said. “We are solving it jointly, which has a much better chance of this thing going in the same direction.”
IBM shares gained 3.6% Thursday while Cisco rose 1.9%. Other quantum computing stocks traded mixed, with Rigetti and D-Wave Quantum up 2.2% and 0.9%, while IonQ fell 0.8%.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
