Achieving practical quantumcomputing requires scaling quantum processors to millions of qubits, asignificant leap from the hundreds available today and the few thousandtargeted by ambitious roadmaps for 2030.

Cisco believes the path forwardisn't solely through building larger, monolithic quantum computers, but byconnecting smaller quantum nodes using network infrastructure, much likeclassical networks enabled powerful distributed systems in data centres. Thisdistributed model is seen as the practical and achievable route.

To accelerate this future, Cisco hasunveiled a prototype research component called the Quantum NetworkEntanglement Chip. This chip is described as a foundational element, a keypart of Cisco's quantum networking vision, and the "first buildingblock" necessary for a quantum network that can connect quantum processorsfor practical applications. Cisco asserts that their quantum networkingtechnology, including this chip, will make quantum computing practical"years ahead of current timelines," potentially acceleratingimpactful applications from decades away to just five to ten years.

The core function of Cisco'sentanglement chip, developed in collaboration with UC Santa Barbara, is togenerate pairs of entangled photons. These entangled photons are crucialbecause they can enable instantaneous connection regardless of distance throughquantum teleportation, a phenomenon famously described by Einstein as"spooky action at a distance".

By creating these entangled links,the chip allows quantum processors to be networked together, enablingdistributed quantum computing. The prototype is designed with practicality inmind: it's a miniaturised Photonic Integrated Chip (PIC) that functions at roomtemperature, operates at standard telecom wavelengths, consumes less than onemilliwatt of power, and is compatible with existing fiber optic infrastructure.These features make it more suitable for near-term deployment and integrationinto existing networks, providing the necessary infrastructure and buildingblocks for what Cisco envisions as a "quantum data center".

By focusing on building this crucialnetworking infrastructure now, Cisco aims to help accelerate the entire quantumecosystem. Their vendor-agnostic approach means this networking fabric isdesigned to work with diverse quantum computing technologies, whethersuperconducting, ion trap, or neutral atom-based systems.

This strategy of enabling networked,scaled-out quantum data centres is expected to bring about the era of practicalquantum computing applications, such as drug discovery, materials science, andcomplex logistics problems, significantly sooner than if the industry waitedfor single, massive quantum machines. Understanding these complex quantumdistributed networks and their potential is key for corporate users looking toleverage this technology. 

AQ Intelligence (AQi) is equipped toexplain the intricacies of quantum distributed networks and their applicationsto corporate users, helping businesses navigate thisrapidly evolving landscape.  Buildingthese fundamental components and the accompanying software stack, as Cisco isdoing at their Quantum Labs, is a critical step in preparing for the future ofpractical quantum computing.

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