IBM and Cisco Partner to Build Quantum Computing Network by Early 2030s

Partnership Announcement and Market Response

IBM and Cisco have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to develop networked distributed quantum computing systems, targeting deployment by the early 2030s. The announcement drove IBM stock up 1.5% and Cisco shares 0.75% on Thursday, reflecting investor confidence in the partnership's potential 1

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The collaboration represents a significant strategic move for both technology giants, combining IBM's established quantum computing leadership with Cisco's advanced networking capabilities. This partnership aims to address one of quantum computing's most pressing challenges: scaling computational power beyond individual machines through distributed networks 2

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Technical Vision and Timeline

The companies plan to demonstrate their first proof-of-concept within five years, targeting completion by the end of 2030. This initial demonstration will showcase multiple networked quantum computers working together to run computations over tens to hundreds of thousands of qubits. The network architecture could potentially enable problems requiring trillions of quantum gates, opening possibilities for transformative applications in optimization, materials design, and medicine development 2

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"By working with Cisco to explore how to link multiple quantum computers like these together into a distributed network, we will pursue how to further scale quantum's computational power," said Jay Gambetta, Director of IBM Research and IBM Fellow 1

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Technical Infrastructure and Challenges

The partnership will require developing sophisticated new technologies, including microwave-optical transducers and supporting software infrastructure to entangle qubits from multiple separate quantum computers. IBM plans to build quantum networking units (QNUs) that will serve as interfaces to quantum processing units (QPUs), converting stationary quantum information into "flying" quantum information for network transmission 2

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Cisco's contribution centers on its quantum data center vision, featuring hardware and software architecture designed to preserve fragile quantum states, distribute entanglement resources, facilitate teleportation between quantum computers, and synchronize operations with sub-nanosecond precision. The company is developing high-speed software protocol frameworks that can dynamically reconfigure network paths for on-demand entanglement distribution 2

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Long-term Quantum Internet Vision

Beyond the initial demonstration, the companies envision creating a quantum computing internet by the late 2030s. This network would connect quantum computers, sensors, and communication systems across large distances, enabling applications such as ultra-secure communications and precise environmental monitoring 1

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Vijoy Pandey, GM/SVP at Outshift by Cisco, emphasized the collaborative approach: "Getting quantum computing to useful scale is not just about building bigger individual machines, it is also about connecting them together. IBM is building quantum computers with aggressive roadmaps for scale-up, and we are bringing quantum networking that enables scale-out" 2

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