Cisco Systems’ Quantum Switch Push Puts Networking Giant in Race for the Next Internet

Cisco Systems has unveiled a prototype quantum switch, the Cisco Universal Quantum Switch, aiming to connect various types of quantum computers and sensors using existing telecom fiber at room temperature. This move positions Cisco as a key player in developing interoperability for future quantum networks, rather than a direct competitor in quantum computer manufacturing against giants like Google and IBM. While the device is still a prototype and widespread quantum networks are years away, Cisco sees potential for earlier security applications by leveraging quantum entanglement to detect network eavesdropping.