According to DCD, IBM is collaborating with Cisco to develop distributed quantum computing networks with an initial demonstration expected within five years and full groundwork laid by the early 2030s. The partnership aims to create networked quantum systems that can combine individual fault-tolerant quantum computers working together across tens to hundreds of thousands of qubits. IBM previously stated it will achieve quantum advantage by the end of 2026 and develop a fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029. For the initial demonstration, the companies will entangle qubits from multiple separate quantum computers located in distinct cryogenic environments. The project will help establish the foundation for quantum internet while supporting future quantum computing, sensors, and communications applications.
The quantum networking puzzle
Here’s the thing about connecting quantum computers – it’s not just plugging in some Ethernet cables. They’re talking about inventing entirely new connection technologies, including microwave-optical transducers and a supporting software stack. Basically, they need to create the quantum equivalent of network interface cards and routers from scratch. And scaling beyond just two quantum computers? That’s when things get really tricky with transmitting qubits over longer distances between buildings or data centers. It’s one thing to have quantum computers talking to each other in the same lab – it’s entirely different when they’re miles apart.
IBM’s ambitious timeline
IBM’s making some pretty bold claims about their quantum roadmap. Quantum advantage by 2026? Fault-tolerant systems by 2029? Now they’re adding networked quantum computers by the early 2030s. That’s an aggressive schedule for technology that’s still largely experimental. But look – IBM’s been consistently pushing quantum forward when many competitors are still stuck in research mode. Their quantum networking unit (QNU) approach is interesting – taking stationary quantum information and converting it into “flying” quantum information that can travel between systems. It’s the kind of fundamental infrastructure work that could actually make distributed quantum computing practical.
Why Cisco makes sense here
So why team up with Cisco? Well, quantum computing isn’t just about building bigger individual machines – it’s about connecting them. Cisco brings the networking expertise that IBM lacks. They’re talking about quantum network nodes, network bridges with novel hardware and open-source software, and the networking intelligence to make everything work together. This is exactly the kind of industrial-scale computing infrastructure challenge where partnerships between hardware specialists and networking experts become essential. When you’re dealing with complex industrial computing systems – whether quantum computers or traditional industrial panel PCs – having the right hardware and networking expertise combined is what separates experimental prototypes from practical solutions.
The distributed quantum future
The real question is whether this timeline is realistic or just quantum hype. Early 2030s for networked quantum computing? That’s only about seven years away. But if they can pull it off, we’re talking about something fundamentally different from today’s quantum computers. Distributed quantum networks could solve problems that single quantum computers can’t handle alone. They’re essentially building the backbone for what could become the quantum internet. And honestly, given how much of modern computing relies on networked systems, it makes perfect sense that quantum would follow the same path. The companies that solve these infrastructure challenges first will have a massive advantage in the coming quantum era.
