Cisco has taken a significant step toward the future of quantum communication with the debut of its new quantum networking chip, along with the inauguration of a dedicated research lab focused on quantum technologies. The announcement marks a major move by the networking giant to position itself at the forefront of next-generation internet infrastructure.
The newly revealed quantum networking chip—still in the experimental phase—has been designed to enable the secure transmission of data using principles of quantum mechanics. At the heart of the chip is the ability to handle quantum bits, or qubits, and to facilitate entanglement-based communication over optical networks. This paves the way for the eventual deployment of a quantum internet, which could offer virtually unbreakable encryption and exponentially higher levels of computing power and network security.
“Quantum networking represents a critical frontier in cybersecurity and data integrity,” said Jeetu Patel, Cisco’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of Security and Collaboration. “This chip is the first tangible step in making quantum communication more practical and scalable.”
The newly established lab, located at Cisco’s San Jose headquarters, will serve as a collaborative hub for engineers, researchers, and academic partners. Its mission: to tackle key challenges in quantum networking, including qubit fidelity, long-distance entanglement distribution, and integration with existing fiber-optic systems.
Quantum networking is still in its early stages globally, but Cisco’s announcement adds momentum to a growing movement among major tech firms and research institutions. The company’s approach differs from others in the field by emphasizing hybrid compatibility—designing quantum systems that can eventually operate alongside classical internet infrastructure.
Experts say that while a global quantum internet is still years away, Cisco’s developments indicate meaningful progress. “The industry is transitioning from theory and lab-based proofs of concept to hardware demonstrations that can be evaluated and refined,” noted Dr. Lena Morales, a quantum physicist at Stanford University. “Cisco entering the field with actual chip-level innovation is significant—it brings practical engineering to a field that’s often been dominated by pure physics.”
In parallel with its chip unveiling, Cisco also highlighted partnerships with universities and national labs, aimed at developing standardized protocols and interoperability solutions for future quantum networks. The company confirmed ongoing collaborations with institutions such as MIT, Caltech, and the U.S. Department of Energy.
While the chip is not yet ready for commercial deployment, Cisco plans to begin internal pilot tests within the next 12–18 months. The long-term vision includes integrating quantum security into enterprise-grade network equipment and cloud services, ultimately reshaping how organizations think about secure communication.
With this announcement, Cisco joins a competitive and fast-evolving race where players like IBM, Google, and startups such as PsiQuantum are all vying to unlock the potential of quantum networking. The difference now: one of the world’s biggest network hardware makers has officially entered the game—with silicon in hand.