Three companies — quantum computing software firm Classiq, service provider Comcast, and chipmaker AMD — say they have completed a trial in which quantum algorithms are used to “supercharge” network routing resilience.
The goal of the trial was to see if quantum techniques are useful for finding independent backup paths if a second network site fails after the first is taken offline for maintenance. The paths that are found must be fast, resilient to simultaneous link failures and optimized for the lower latency, according to the press release. Finding such paths has become “exponentially harder to identify as networks grow,” it said.
The joint Comcast/Classiq/AMD press release said that GPU-accelerated simulations were able to “iterate rapidly and validate algorithm behavior” and execute runs on quantum hardware to assess implementation success. In plainer language, the simulations that included the quantum hardware were able to find appropriate paths.
“What our customers want is simple: fast, secure and reliable connectivity, but when you operate a network as large and dynamic as ours, delivering on that promise is complex, especially in the face of growing network demand,” said Comcast Connectivity and Platforms Chief Network Officer Elad Nafshi about the quantum trial.
“We launched these trials with Classiq last year with the goal of understanding how quantum software and technology could tackle real network challenges. Our results have shown that quantum computing for network optimization isn’t theoretical — it’s practical, scalable, and grounded in the needs of our customers.”
Quantum technology is famously mysterious, confusing, and powerful. One area that must get attention is security. Last month, Citi Institute released a report entitled “Quantum Threat: The Trillion-Dollar Security Race is On.” The report said that Q-Day — when there is no protection against use of quantum technology to break public-key encryption — will occur if steps are not taken.
Attention is being paid, however. For instance, The Quantum Computing Fellowship was launched earlier this month by Chattanooga, Tennessee-based EPB. It will encourage training and real-world experience in the development of quantum solutions, according to the service provider.
