Cisco Introduces Quantum Network Controller for Automated Entanglement
Cisco has introduced two research prototypes that mark a significant step forward in quantum networking: the Quantum Network Controller and an updated Network-Aware Quantum Compiler. The Quantum Network Controller serves as the control plane for quantum networks, allowing applications to request entanglement services without manual configuration. This model, called Entanglement-as-a-Service (EaaS), automates the complex task of managing quantum connections, much like cloud infrastructure manages CPU cycles.
The Controller abstracts the hardware details, enabling seamless integration with various vendors' equipment through a hardware abstraction layer (HAL). It ensures high-fidelity entanglement while automatically handling retries and reinitializations. In February 2026, Cisco demonstrated its software’s capability by coordinating multi-node entanglement distribution across 17.6 kilometers of commercial telecom fiber in New York City, achieving over 99% polarization fidelity at room temperature.
The Network-Aware Quantum Compiler complements the Controller by planning how quantum programs split across processors and translating those plans into network requests. This division of labor allows the Controller to focus on delivering the entanglement as specified. The Compiler is available as a free 30-day trial, and interested teams can contact Cisco for more information on the Controller.
These advancements represent a shift from manually managed quantum networks to a more automated, scalable system. Cisco’s Universal Quantum Switch previously enabled scalable connectivity, and the Controller now provides the operational framework to manage these connections efficiently. This progress paves the way for broader applications in quantum computing, security, and sensing.