Aliro Quantum, the company behind the software enabling the first commercially available quantum network in the U.S., this week unveiled Aliro Simulator, a visualizer tool that allows users to model all portions of a quantum network, from the smallest optical components to the largest heterogeneous networks, to help them evaluate and validate quantum networks, components, and configurations.
The new tool, available on a “controlled” basis, according to Aliro, is being demonstrated this week at the Department of Defense Intelligence Information System (DoDIIS) Worldwide Conference in Portland, Oregon, where Dr. Eric Ostby, Aliro Quantum Chief Product Officer, also was scheduled to speak. The unveiling comes as more telcos and other types of organizations are starting to explore quantum networking. Aliro earlier this year was named as a supporting partner in the EPB Quantum Network in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The company said Aliro Simulator cuts through a big and time-consuming task by giving customers the ability to evaluate and fine-tune components, configurations and use cases while looking at accuracy, flexibility, scalability, and overall proof-of-value before they need to purchase or deploy anything. This release also includes a visualizer tool that allows users to graphically investigate the node level performance of a network design and set of protocols.
Dr. Prineha Narang, founder and Chief Technology Officer of Aliro Quantum, said, “The importance of design and simulation when building these types of networks cannot be overstated. Aliro Simulator will allow organizations to test and identify issues and make informed decisions about any trade-offs.”
“Being able to easily design and simulate quantum network infrastructures will be key to quantum’s success,” added Jim Ricotta, CEO, Aliro Quantum. “After an organization has identified goals, budget and risks for quantum projects, Aliro Simulator can show whether or not the designs for the network will provide value, and is flexible enough to model the whole network stack from the photonic level all the way up the protocol stack.”
Allowing the construction and simulation of full-scale quantum networks all the way down to a low level of abstraction, Aliro Simulator also implements discrete event simulation, multiple quantum state computation backends, generic quantum and classical device components, optical components, noise models, networking concept abstractions, and support classes.
“As businesses continue to grow their modern networking and cybersecurity systems with quantum capabilities, they require validation of their strategic ambitions but are finding it difficult to test and evaluate these new technologies at scale,” said Carl Dukatz, global Quantum Computing lead at Accenture. “Assessment tools like the Aliro Simulator provide organizations with a valuable way to assess their quantum needs, establish proof of value, design to their requirements, and obtain guidance on how to best implement quantum networks – starting at the device level then expanding to the global view.”
Dan O’Shea has covered telecommunications and related topics including semiconductors, sensors, retail systems, digital payments and quantum computing/technology for over 25 years.