Unlocking the power of true randomness with Cisco's Quantum Random Number Generator

Random numbers play a crucial role in modern technology, including scientific and engineering simulations, cryptography, artificial intelligence (AI), gaming, and finance. These applications ideally require truly unpredictable random numbers, which classical processes cannot guarantee. The most used random number generators are pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs), which rely on mathematical algorithms and a secure seed. Although some well-designed PRNGs can pass statistical randomness tests, they are fundamentally predictable and deterministic. If the seed is disclosed and sufficient computational power is available, the random numbers generated by PRNGs can be fully determined. 

As a result, unlike PRNGs,  true random number generators (TRNGs) utilize random physical processes to generate random numbers are completely random, not just appearing random but being inherently unpredictable. Thanks to the inherently random nature of quantum mechanics, quantum random number generators (QRNGs) can, in principle, yield true random numbers that are mathematically unpredictable and nondeterministic.

Cisco's Quantum Random Number Generator

Since quantum mechanics guarantees the inherent randomness of quantum phenomena, many quantum processes can be leveraged as sources of randomness. At Cisco Research, we have utilized quantum vacuum noise as our source of randomness. In classical physics, a vacuum is defined as a state with no particles and energy. However, in quantum physics, the quantum vacuum state still has no particles but exhibits random energy fluctuations, known as quantum vacuum noise. By measuring these energy fluctuations, we can obtain raw random numbers. The detailed design of Cisco’s Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) based on quantum vacuum noise is described in our recent white paper.

Major advantages of Cisco's Quantum Random Number Generator

A typical QRNG system consists of sources and detectors, and most QRNGs are limited to the slow speed of quantum detectors, while Cisco’s QRNG does not require either quantum sources or quantum detectors, resulting in data rates up to 100 Gbps, as described here. 

Example use cases and application of Cisco’s QRNG

QRNGs have the potential to become the standard hardware-based random number generator for a wide range of applications, digital services, and everyday devices.  

• QRNG for cryptography: Cryptographic protocols and algorithms rely on random numbers, and QRNG can provide a trusted source of true random numbers. This makes it crucial for enabling trusted authentication and encryption, enhancing the security of our information, apps, and services. Therefore, QRNG hardware can potentially become an integrated part of all our digital devices.
• QRNG for gaming and lottery: The gaming and lottery industries can immensely benefit from a true random number generator. The true randomness of QRNG is a crucial feature required by any gaming or lottery application to eliminate bias and prevent users from increasing their chances of winning by predicting biased outcomes. This guarantees fairness that is not possible for players to manipulate.
• QRNG for Monte Carlo simulations: Monte Carlo simulations provide a robust method for predicting outcomes and making informed decisions in complex systems. They have applications in a wide range of areas, including economics, finance, energy, and manufacturing. Monte Carlo simulations rely on random number generators, and the quality of the generated random numbers can significantly impact the accuracy and runtime of simulations. Therefore, QRNGs are valuable assets for implementing practical, useful, and accurate Monte Carlo simulations.

Pioneering the future of quantum computing and quantum networking at Cisco Research

Cisco's Research team comprises of world-leading scientists and engineers dedicated to designing and building a practical, useful, and inclusive quantum network for all. Our goal is to harness the properties of quantum mechanics to develop technologies that address fundamental problems in classical communication and computing. This work focuses on our efforts to create a Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG), which solves the challenge of generating true random numbers. These have potential applications in everyday life, ranging from cybersecurity to gaming and predictive modeling.

Stay tuned for future news and publications from our team on their achievements and breakthroughs in scalable quantum computing and dynamic quantum networking for a quantum internet.