You might be forgiven for thinking that artificial intelligence is the only major tech innovation happening right now, but quantum computing has the potential to completely revolutionise the technology landscape, too. While still a developing field, it promises to break through the physical limitations of traditional computing.
Quantum computing – what it is and what it might mean for data centres
Posted on in Blog
The potential of quantum computing
New horizons in processing power
Currently, standard CPU power is limited by the number of calculations a computer can make per nanosecond. CPU chips have a finite capacity and while they are significantly faster than the processors of the 1980s and 90s, a strict limitation remains on their maximum calculation speed. Quantum computing removes this limitation almost entirely.
Today’s leading ‘supercomputers’ consist of millions of CPU and GPU cores, yet they still struggle to efficiently make certain complex calculations. Take a simple seating arrangement as an example. There are over 3.6 million ways to seat just 10 people at a dinner table. A traditional supercomputer must take time after each calculation to verify and analyse that its work is correct before moving to the next sequence.
Quantum mechanics handles this much faster. It creates vast multidimensional spaces to represent problems and relies on quantum wave interference. This allows the computer to perform all calculations simultaneously, whilst translating the data back into information we can understand.
Imagine a traditional navigation interface working out how to get from point A to B, then to C, and eventually D. A quantum computer does not just calculate each route sequentially. It looks at every single possible permutation – including how to get from D to B, C to A, and B to C – all at exactly the same time.
How could it change our lives?
Traditional CPUs have advanced almost as far as physics will allow. Even with the shift from 7nm to cutting-edge 3nm and 2nm chips, traditional processors still face physical boundaries. To make large-scale, complex calculations, you need to network more processors together, which takes up massive amounts of physical space.
Quantum chips are capable of significantly more output at the same size. By working together, they can perform exponentially more calculations per second, meaning complex equations are solved instantly. For example, a quantum computer could rapidly analyse millions of variables to determine the exact optimal fuel needed to sustain a flight to Mars. It destroys the physical limitations of traditional science.
The main hurdle we face right now is something called quantum decoherence. This makes the information received from quantum computers difficult to decode. The issue is not the information itself, but rather the blistering speed at which it returns. The quantum complexity of the output means the human mind and traditional interfaces can only translate so much at once.
When can we expect it?
In many forms, quantum computing already exists and has done for several years. We have seen major breakthroughs with quantum chips and the dimensional algorithms required for the data to exist. However, it remains a highly complex science. While we can ask a quantum computer for answers, we cannot always translate the returned data correctly. These ongoing translation efforts are currently slowing down practical progress.
That said, researchers hope that massive breakthroughs in AI and machine learning over the next five to ten years will allow for rapid data translation. As hybrid systems evolve, we will likely see setups where quantum computers do the heavy lifting, while traditional supercomputers exist purely to translate that raw data into a format we can easily understand.
Quantum’s impact on data centres
Rapid advancements have sparked heavy investment across the sector, and this has led to serious discussions about how these powerful computers will integrate with industries like the data centre sector.
Ultimately, data infrastructure will need to evolve to support quantum technology. While it is still developing and unlikely to replace the classical computing infrastructure that data centres currently host anytime soon, it shows promise for sustainability. If quantum computing can achieve tasks in seconds or minutes that would otherwise take hours or days, we are clearly going to need less energy to run our most intensive workloads.
Discover our colocation data centres
We’re building brand new state-of-the-art colocation facilities, positioning us well to cope with new technology as it develops. Come and see our data centres in action – London edge and Manchester – two of the most economically active regions of the UK and tech hubs.