San Francisco: Cisco Systems and startup Qunnect recently announced the successful deployment and operation of a quantum network between Brooklyn and Manhattan in New York. This network transmits signals through actual fiber optic cables, and its performance is comparable to research results achieved in laboratory environments.
This experiment utilized Qunnect's hardware equipment located in Brooklyn, New York, along with Cisco's software systems. It aims to address the critical challenges of building such quantum networks within existing data centers and urban environments. Quantum computers rely on quantum physics principles to perform computations—tasks that might take traditional computers thousands of years to complete. However, quantum systems typically depend on large-scale cryogenic cooling devices.
Noel Goddard, CEO of Qunnect, explained that their solution requires cryogenic cooling technology only at the central hub, while other data centers connected to this hub can use equipment operating at room temperature. Quantum computers and networks are often extremely sensitive to minute vibrations in the environment. Nevertheless, a joint research paper released by Cisco and Qunnect states that the startup's technology—particularly a device called the Automatic Polarization Controller—ensures the quantum network remains stable over fiber optic cables spanning 17.6 kilometers (approximately 10.9 miles).
"It corrects real-world problems," Goddard said, adding, "Data centers have tens of kilometers of fiber optic lines laid out, which pass through various patch panels, making the overall layout appear intricate and complex."
Ramana Kompella, Vice President and Head of Cisco Research, emphasized that this experiment is fundamental to Cisco's long-term goals. These goals include interconnecting quantum computers within data centers in the future and further integrating these quantum data centers into a quantum internet.
Kompella noted that, in the short term, practical quantum networks are expected to be applied in scenarios such as stock trading. A technique called "quantum teleportation" could enable physically separated computers to share information instantaneously, without the few milliseconds of delay required for transmission at the speed of light.
"Trading computers might be tens of kilometers apart. They need to coordinate decisions or execute stock trades while breaking through the conventional speed-of-light limitations. Quantum entanglement networks can provide tangible assistance in this regard," Kompella explained.
