Mirror Review
May 9th, 2025
Cisco has just pulled back the curtain on a development that could significantly reshape the future of computing: their prototype Cisco Quantum Entanglement Chip.
This is more than just a chip; it’s a foundational piece of technology. This chip aims to accelerate distributed quantum computing and lay the groundwork for the much-anticipated quantum internet.
Cisco’s new chip, developed in collaboration with UC Santa Barbara, is designed to overcome one of the biggest hurdles in quantum computing: scalability.
Current quantum processors are powerful but limited in the number of qubits (the quantum equivalent of bits) they can handle—think hundreds, when we need millions for transformative applications.
The Cisco Quantum Entanglement Chip tackles this by enabling the networking of smaller quantum processors to create more powerful, distributed quantum systems.
Let’s break down what makes this development so crucial with six key takeaways.
1. What Exactly is this “Entanglement Chip” and Why the Buzz?
At its heart, the Cisco Quantum Entanglement Chip is engineered to create and manage a phenomenon called “Quantum Entanglement”.
This is where tiny particles, like photons (particles of light), become linked in such a way that their fates are intertwined, no matter how far apart they are.
This is fundamental for quantum teleportation, which isn’t about beaming people around, but is a cornerstone for secure quantum communication and for making distributed quantum computers work together seamlessly.
Vijoy Pandey, Senior Vice President of Outshift by Cisco, stated: “Just as Cisco helped build infrastructure for the internet, we’re now creating quantum networking technology that will be the foundation for the quantum internet, making quantum computing practical years ahead of current timelines”.
The company believes this approach could slash the timeline for impactful quantum applications from decades down to just 5-10 years.
2. Room Temperature Operation: A Practical Game Changer
One of the most significant practical advantages of the Cisco chip is its ability to operate at room temperature.
Many quantum components require extremely cold, specialized environments, which adds complexity and cost.
This new chip, however, functions effectively at normal temperatures and also supports standard telecom wavelengths.
This latter point is huge because it means the chip can potentially work with today’s existing optical fiber infrastructure, making future deployment much more feasible.
3. Blazing Speed and Efficiency in Generating Entanglement
The performance figures for the Cisco Quantum Entanglement Chip are impressive. It can generate up to 200 million entangled photon pairs per second with high fidelity.
(It’s worth noting that some initial reports mentioned a lower figure, but the more detailed specifications point to this higher capacity).
Furthermore, it achieves this while consuming less than 1 milliwatt of power and is miniaturized into a photonic integrated circuit.
This combination of speed, fidelity, and efficiency is vital for building robust quantum networks.
4. Cisco’s Grand Vision: Building the Quantum Internet
This chip isn’t an isolated project. It’s a key milestone in Cisco’s ambitious, long-term strategy to build the foundational infrastructure for the quantum internet, much like they did for the classical internet we rely on today.
“Our thesis is pretty straightforward: To make quantum computing practical, you need to scale it out,” Pandey explains.
“You need a network, and to have a quantum network, you need a quantum entanglement chip. That’s the first building block”.
To support this vision, Cisco has also launched its new Quantum Labs in Santa Monica, California, a dedicated hub for research and development in this space.
5. More Than Just a Chip: A Full-Stack Quantum Networking Approach
Cisco understands that a single component, however advanced, isn’t enough. They are developing a full-stack quantum networking architecture.
The teams at Cisco Quantum Labs are working on a suite of tools, including entanglement distribution protocols, a distributed quantum compiler, a quantum network development kit, and even a random number generator based on quantum vacuum fluctuations.
This comprehensive approach, detailed in a recent technical paper, aims to provide a complete framework for quantum data centers.
As Reza Nejabati, Head of Quantum Research and Quantum Labs at Outshift by Cisco, stated, “There’s a whole bunch of hardware and software technology that we’re bringing up. The quantum proof of concept is happening”.
6. A Two-Pronged Strategy: Benefits for Both Quantum and Classical Worlds
Interestingly, Cisco’s quantum strategy has two complementary goals.
- For the Quantum World: The primary aim is to build the quantum network that will link quantum processors, enabling complex simulations, advanced cryptography, and optimization solutions far beyond today’s capabilities.
- Enhancing Classical Systems: Cisco is also focused on leveraging quantum principles to bring practical benefits to classical networks today. This includes developing quantum-enhanced features like ultra-secure communications, precise time synchronization, and authenticated location tracking, which could be invaluable for industries like finance, defense, and telecommunications even before large-scale quantum computers are widespread.
They are also focusing on integrating post-quantum cryptography across their product portfolio to ensure classical systems remain secure as quantum computers evolve.
The Road Ahead
The unveiling of the Cisco Quantum Entanglement Chip and the Cisco Quantum Labs is a clear statement of intent.
Cisco isn’t just dipping its toes; it’s diving deep into building the quantum future.
By creating a vendor-agnostic backbone and developing both the hardware and software, they are positioning themselves to be a central enabler of the quantum era.
As Vijoy Pandey hints, “There’s going to be a ChatGPT moment for quantum. We need to start putting the fundamental building blocks together to prepare”.
With the Cisco Quantum Entanglement Chip now out in the open, it feels like we’re one significant step closer to that moment.
