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Huawei's Vision for AI-Driven Optical Networks

During the recent MWC Barcelona 2025, a leading event in the technology space, Huawei's Bob Chen, who heads the Optical Business Product Group, outlined the pivotal transformation of optical networks towards what is termed AI Optical Networks (AI ON). This evolution is aimed at solidifying the foundation necessary for harnessing artificial intelligence, thereby ensuring a seamless, 5A quality connection that benefits users globally.

As we delve into the AI era, three crucial characteristics define this new landscape: ubiquitous AI applications, omnipresent computational capabilities, and a universal approach to AI governance. These trends necessitate networks that can accurately identify types of services, deliver differentiated connections, and provide optimal user experiences. Moreover, as services begin to evolve in complexity, networks must integrate AI capabilities to enhance both quality and efficiency.

In his presentation, Bob Chen emphasized the collaboration Huawei has fostered with global clients since the launch of the AI-focused networking approaches in 2024. The emergence of the AI ON paradigm exemplifies this commitment to innovation. Chen delineated the future features of these next-generation optical networks:

1. Awareness

Historically, optical networks lacked the ability to sense their service types. Future networks must be capable of accurately identifying service types based on traffic patterns and stream directions to uphold bandwidth, latency, and reliability needs. This adaptation will enhance network understanding of service needs, allowing for seamless integration and support.

2. Always On Demand

In contrast to past networks, which offered generic connections, future optical networks will need to deliver real-time, differentiated connectivity tailored to specific service demands. An example includes providing a gaming user with a tailored 1 Gbps bandwidth for a set duration of three hours, perfectly accommodating varying user needs.

3. Assurance

Prior network issues such as congestion, outages, and service variances compromised connection quality. Future generations of optical networks will need to prioritize guaranteed high-quality connections, ensuring deterministic latency and zero packet loss, regardless of network fluctuations or service demands.

4. Autonomous Operations Management

Traditionally, network management has been reactive, often responding to failures. Future networks must move beyond this model, proactively identifying potential risks and mitigating them before they impact users. This self-healing and optimization capability will be crucial for providing consistent service quality.

5. AI Native

To truly benefit from AI advancements, complete stack AI capabilities must be embedded across network terminals, devices, and management systems. Integrating computational power for AI within optical network terminals, such as ONTs/FTTRs, will enhance service performance and adaptability.

In closing, Bob Chen noted that the advent of AI signifies transformative changes within human society, offering unprecedented opportunities in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. The '5A' standard not only signifies superior service quality across sectors like hospitality and tourism but also presents vital opportunities for the ICT domain. To seize these opportunities, first-class connectivity will be imperative. Huawei remains committed to advancing optical networks towards AI ON, aiming to deliver 5A quality connectivity and nurture new growth in the age of AI.