The future of the internet is unlikely to arrive suddenly, but rather gradually. Not just any switch, though—a special switch that could potentially solve the problem hindering the development of quantum computing technology. The Universal Quantum Switch recently introduced by Cisco Systems is being seen as the key to quantum computing networking, the solution to connecting different quantum computers.
The promise of quantum computing lies in its enormous potential, with the capability of solving computations and simulations that are currently impossible for conventional computers, as well as having the power to transform our world. Yet, the quantum computer faces some challenges that prevent it from reaching its full potential. One of such challenges lies in the inability of different types of quantum systems to communicate with each other. Indeed, despite sharing the same computing model, different quantum computers operate under entirely different principles, which creates communication barriers.
It is here that the new switch from Cisco turns the tables. Rather than attempting to build their own quantum computer, Cisco has turned their attention towards an equally important but arguably more critical issue, which is connectivity. Through their new Universal Quantum Switching technology, they have created the equivalent of a universal translator, allowing two quantum computers developed using completely different technologies to exchange information without interference.
What makes this achievement all the more exciting is its method of operation. Classical communication technologies can neither read nor store quantum information; measuring quantum information destroys the information, and quantum networking technology could not easily replace classical networking technologies, but unlike conventional switches, the new Cisco switch does not try to read the quantum data, as it merely passes the data along through the switch without disturbing it.
It would be even more surprising considering its practicality, as most quantum technologies work under very precise conditions, but Cisco’s quantum switch works at room temperature and uses an already existing fiber optic communication system. It implies that it does not need an entirely new network to function; rather, it can fit into the existing telecommunication system supporting the internet. In an environment that is usually characterized by complicated technologies and investments, this kind of compatibility can help a lot.
However, what really stands out in this case is not its functionality; it is its strategy. The development of quantum networks was hampered for two reasons in this case: first of all, by physical limitations, and secondly, by a lack of coordination among companies working in the field. Everyone worked on developing their own technology in order to establish it as the standard, but the strategy of Cisco completely undermines this trend.
This might be able to provide more than just increased speed when it comes to calculations. With the complete connection of quantum computers in what some refer to as the “quantum internet,” it will open up a whole range of opportunities. Quantum communication, for instance, can be completely safe because any attempt at spying on it will cause the state of quantum entanglement to be broken instantly. Even distributed quantum computing is a possibility, which involves having a number of quantum computers work in tandem through a network.
The quantum internet isn’t all that Cisco plans to do, as it’s looking into quantum data centers and network fabrics that allow the management of various quantum devices as a single entity. In this kind of network architecture, quantum computers won’t be standalone but will be nodes on a large network similar to how servers are in cloud computing.
