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A world-first prototype for distributed quantum network control
In 2023, we were awarded a £2.3m contract to deliver the world's first modular, rack-mount, and scalable quantum data centre prototype under the UK Government's SBRI competition, with Cisco as prospective end-user.
Combining tens to thousands of quantum processors into a larger computing architecture requires the development of Quantum Networking Units (QNUs), which distribute quantum entanglement across computing nodes. Our QNU unit represents an important first step to take quantum networking components from the laboratory and turning them into a deployable, industrialised prototype-product, capable of supporting test-bed integration with real qubits and software stacks.
We develop innovative networking solutions for distributed synchronisation and orchestration, as well as proprietary network protocols compatible with quantum computation and novel entanglement schemes for higher rates and fidelity. Our first-generation QNU is designed to support trapped-ion qubits in the first instance, but our modular approach enables upgradability of internal hardware to support different qubit modalities and their associated operational wavelengths.
We also lead a special-interest group of industry partners focused on Distributed Quantum Computing. With representation from quantum computing end-users, datacentre primes, and top qubit companies, we work to identify the performance specifications and capabilities required of the quantum and classical networking infrastructure necessary to deliver a scalable distributed computing fabric.
Links:
The Quantum Insider: Nu Quantum and Cisco Launch Quantum Networking Project
Tech Monitor: Cisco announces new quantum networking collaboration with UK startup