Cisco Unveils Quantum Network Advancements
Search Networking, Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
Cisco's quantum switch prototype operates like a data center switch and supports four encoding modalities. It marks a step forward in making quantum computing 'broadly viable.'
Cisco is working to extend its networking leadership into the age of quantum computing.
The company revealed a prototype Thursday of what it calls a "universal quantum switch," one that understands the encoding modalities of different types of quantum computers so they can be networked in the same way classical computers are today.
The switch works at room temperature and can hook into existing fiber optic networks. Unlike today's commercial photonic switches, these switches preserve the quantum entanglement of photons, allowing them to convey complex quantum states.