Robert’s research focuses on the integration of distributed quantum systems into the existing internet transport. The Open Systems Interconnection model (OSI model) serves as the model for the current internet defining abstraction layers for the physical layer (e.g. fiber, RF) up through the application layer(e.g. Facebook). Exploring quantum support needed in the context of OSI’s Physical and MAC layer definitions will provide a direction for developing distributed quantum systems that will map into existing infrastructure thus accelerating the deployment and adoption of new quantum internet enabled applications(e.g. QKD, entanglement, distributed quantum computing).

During Robert’s 38 year industrial career Robert has made significant contributions to the developing internet in all 7 layers of the OSI model. While at Cisco Robert led the development and deployment of the first internet optical transport links that were integrated into existing telecommunication infrastructure. Robert holds numerous patents, published numerous papers and led 3 academic-industrial research programs that have led to multi-billion dollar businesses