Lumen and Ohio State explore quantum networking over fiber

Lumen Technologies is investing in research with The Ohio State University to explore how its fiber infrastructure can support quantum connectivity over distances. As artificial intelligence demands surge, the company is also collaborating with Emerald AI to develop a system where AI workloads automatically shift locations based on power availability and cost.

“The network must do more than just connect,” said Kate Johnson, CEO of Lumen. “It must help solve the defining challenges of our time.” Lumen is further preparing for future threats by introducing quantum-resistant security capabilities through its Fortinet-based Secure Access Service Edge solution.

Emerald AI and Lumen Address AI Workload Energy Demands

Gartner forecasts that 75% of IT infrastructure and operations leaders will mandate energy-aware AI workload placement by 2030, highlighting the urgency of this approach. The collaboration integrates Emerald AI’s Emerald Conductor platform with Lumen’s programmable network and edge locations, aiming to route AI inference requests to areas with surplus power while maintaining low latency and high performance.

This expands Emerald AI’s power-aware technology beyond the data center and into network routing itself. Lumen’s chief technology and product officer, Jim Fowler, explained the shift in network philosophy, stating, “The network has traditionally connected computing resources wherever they happen to be. We’re exploring how to turn that equation around, making the network an active part of how and where computing happens.”

Lumen plans to introduce these quantum-resistant security capabilities in November 2026, with general availability scheduled for January 2027. “We’re innovating our network to help AI computing adapt to available energy, lay the foundation for a connected quantum future, and prepare enterprises for continuous and emerging security threats,” said Lumen. “These are distinct challenges that demand a network built for what’s next.”

Ohio State Research Explores Lumen Fiber for Quantum Networking

Lumen is collaborating with The Ohio State University to investigate optical technologies for linking geographically separated quantum systems, a challenge distinct from conventional data transmission. Unlike standard networking, quantum information cannot be copied or amplified, necessitating new approaches to distribute fragile quantum signals over distance using deployed optical fiber. This research builds upon existing federal and state funding aimed at advancing quantum information science and engineering, using Lumen’s extensive fiber infrastructure to explore future quantum networking possibilities.

The focus extends beyond simple connectivity, encompassing distributed sensing applications. The university’s work centers on two key areas: long-range networking and distributed sensing. Long-range networking investigates the specific optical technologies required to establish connections between distant quantum systems, while distributed sensing explores how quantum technologies could enhance geophysical monitoring and improve network performance assessments.

This dual approach acknowledges that a robust quantum network will require both the ability to transmit quantum information and the means to understand and optimize the environment through which it travels. Lumen’s investment directly supports these investigations, aiming to translate theoretical advancements into practical network solutions. Alongside the quantum research, Lumen and Emerald AI are jointly evaluating a system for dynamically shifting AI workloads.

This intelligent network solution enables AI processes to automatically relocate based on real-time factors like power availability and cost, addressing the escalating energy demands of artificial intelligence. “This is designed to give data centers a way to ease demand during rare periods of grid stress while continuing to serve their customers, helping AI grow alongside the communities that power it,” the company stated in a press release.

This proactive approach to energy management represents a shift from simply connecting computing resources to actively managing their location and consumption. This initiative prepares enterprises for the potential threat of quantum computing being used to break current encryption standards, protecting sensitive information from future attacks. These combined efforts demonstrate Lumen’s commitment to building a network infrastructure ready for both the computational demands of AI and the security challenges of the quantum era.

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