Telcos Face New Role in IBM and Cisco’s Quantum Network Plan

IBM and Cisco set a joint agenda to develop distributed quantum computing networks that connect large-scale, fault-tolerant systems within and across data centres. 

The two companies say they plan to demonstrate a working proof-of-concept by 2030, with development focusing on short-range and long-range connections between quantum systems.

The initiative aims to lay foundations for a future where quantum computing resources function as shared services inside data centres, linked by a dedicated network infrastructure. 

While the technology remains in early stages, the direction is clear: quantum systems will not stand alone, but operate as part of wider cloud architectures. That places telecommunications networks at the centre of future infrastructure planning.

Jay Gambetta, Director of IBM Research and IBM Fellow, says: “At IBM, our roadmap includes plans to deliver large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers before the end of the decade.

“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. 

“And as we build the future of compute, our vision will push the frontiers of what quantum computers can do within a larger high-performance computing architecture.”

Quantum computing meets the data centre model

IBM positions future quantum processors as shared resources, housed in data centres and connected over short distances using new quantum networking equipment. 

These are not traditional network links – quantum networks must handle fragile quantum states and distribute entanglement between devices.

Entanglement is a quantum process where particles become linked, allowing changes to one to affect the other instantaneously. 

For networking, this allows data to be “teleported” across systems, which could support entirely new models of data centre performance.

The collaboration focuses on creating the infrastructure required to manage these processes at scale.

IBM will provide quantum hardware designed for fault tolerance – meaning it can handle errors without failing – while Cisco will bring networking expertise to maintain entanglement and support communication between systems.

Vijoy Pandey, General Manager and Senior Vice President at Outshift by Cisco, says: “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. 

“Together, we are solving this as a complete system problem, including the hardware to connect quantum computers, the software to run computations across them and the networking intelligence that makes them work.”

Connecting QPUs in and between sites

The technical challenge lies in how to connect quantum processors – known as QPUs – inside cryogenic environments and maintain the integrity of quantum information as it moves.

Quantum data is highly sensitive to disturbance, which is why standard fibre or copper links cannot be used without adaptation.

To address this, the companies plan to develop hardware including microwave-optical transducers.

These act as a bridge between the quantum signals generated in a processor and the optical signals that can travel over network links.

Cisco’s approach includes quantum network nodes that distribute entanglement between systems.

In IBM’s model, these nodes feed into quantum networking units – interface components that convert stationary quantum information into “flying” quantum bits, which travel across the network.

The partnership plans to begin with a single data centre, then move on to link systems between buildings and eventually across data centre facilities. At that point, workloads could be split across multiple QPUs, with quantum tasks coordinated in parallel.

They are also developing network bridges that enable QPUs to communicate across entire facilities using Cisco's proposed quantum node architecture. 

The model supports both on-site and distributed computing models and would serve as the backbone for quantum services offered at scale.

A telco-enabled future for quantum systems

Cisco outlines a full-stack quantum data centre model that supports distributed workloads with sub-nanosecond synchronisation. 

It includes software to manage quantum entanglement and teleportation across systems and the timing controls needed to ensure quantum operations happen simultaneously.

For telecoms operators, this raises questions about how to deliver ultra-low-latency links, manage synchronisation at quantum scale and integrate optical photon networks into existing infrastructure. 

The ability to connect across large geographic areas will depend on fibre infrastructure and the development of repeaters or satellite-enabled links that preserve quantum coherence.

IBM is working with the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center, led by Fermilab, to explore deployment of quantum networking units in data centres. The first demonstration of interconnected quantum processors is expected within three years.

For telcos, it points to a future where quantum networking becomes a core infrastructure service, as essential as traditional data links.