#Japan #Tokyo #SoftBank #JR West #JR Kyushu

Introduction

In an exciting development for high-speed data transmission, SoftBank has partnered with JR West’s Optical Network and JR Kyushu Electric System to offer a dedicated Ethernet service. This collaboration aims to leverage fiber optic cables along railway lines, enhancing communication infrastructure in Japan. The new service is set to launch in February 2026, promising to deliver low-latency and high-reliability connectivity across various sectors.

Service Background

As society embraces cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous driving, and the advancement of data center capabilities, a reliable and efficient communication infrastructure is essential. This new Ethernet service will address the need for robust data transmission, ensuring seamless connectivity even during emergencies. One of the service's core aims is to facilitate communication between critical data centers and major urban areas with minimal latency and high reliability.

With traditional data center locations primarily concentrated in urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka, there is a growing demand for decentralization into regions such as Kyushu. This shift will not only mitigate disaster risks but also enhance the overall energy efficiency of data operations. By leveraging the strengths of SoftBank, JR West, and JR Kyushu, this partnership aligns with the current trends of creating distributed digital infrastructures.

Service Overview

The dedicated Ethernet service will utilize a Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) network from SoftBank, interlinked with the WDM networks of JR West and JR Kyushu. This integration allows for a more direct routing of optical fiber, consequently reducing the physical distance that signals must travel, which in turn minimizes latency. The route structures will make efficient use of the railway’s existing infrastructure to maintain high levels of communication reliability.

Moreover, the robust design of railway infrastructure ensures reliability during disasters, further enhancing the stability of communications. The service is poised to cater to mission-critical applications, including data centers that require constant and reliable connectivity.

Key Features

• - Guaranteed Bandwidth: The dedicated line service provides a private bandwidth to each user, ensuring minimal disruption from external traffic and fostering a stable communication environment.
• - High Availability through Carrier Diversity: The redundancy in routing involves two different paths that can be switched automatically via optical switches, significantly reducing the likelihood of communication interruptions during failures. The synergetic capability of SoftBank, JR West, and JR Kyushu’s WDM networks mitigates risks associated with relying on a single provider.
• - Flexible Network Design: The interconnected WDM networks allow for optimal route selections tailored to specific user needs, supporting a diverse range of applications.

Anticipated Applications

This innovative service is expected to benefit several key areas, including:

• - Finance: Enhancements in high-frequency trading and latency optimization between major cities.
• - Data Centers: High-speed connections for backup, disaster recovery, and large data transfers.
• - AI Infrastructure: Efficient data transfer and distributed processing among data centers.
• - Broadcasting and Media: Reliable transmission of program materials and live streaming activities.
• - Industrial Infrastructure: Communication between factories and control systems, including equipment monitoring.
• - Public Sector: Robust networks for disaster response and monitoring systems for municipalities.

SoftBank, JR West, and JR Kyushu plan to continue their collaboration, emphasizing the technological innovations necessary for enhancing communication infrastructures. By integrating their strengths, these companies aim to contribute significantly to building a resilient communication network and accelerate regional digital transformation, ultimately fostering a safer and more sustainable society.

About the Companies

• - SoftBank: A telecommunications operator that provides mobile, fixed-line, and ICT solutions, focusing on enhancing high-capacity, low-latency communication infrastructures.
• - JR West Optical Network: Operates in the optical network space by leveraging fibers laid along the Sanyo Shinkansen and local railways, enhancing connectivity in regional hubs.
• - JR Kyushu Electric System: Builds high-quality optical connections utilizing fiber optics along the Kyushu Shinkansen and conventional lines, ensuring high reliability and resistance to natural disasters.