Building AI-Driven Optical Networks for Growth in the AI Era

The AI-ON Summit that took place during the MWC Shanghai 2026 showcased how optical networks and artificial intelligence (AI) can interact to foster growth in the AI landscape. Under the theme "Networks for AI, AI for Networks", the event featured participants from the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Chinese Academy of Information and Communication Technology (CAICT), global carriers, and industry partners including Huawei.

During the summit, critical discussions were held on emerging trends in optical networks amid the advent of token monetization. Attendees shared experiences and insights on the implementation of cutting-edge services such as Ultra-Gigabit/10 Gbps packages as well as the integration of network and computing functionalities. Huawei presented ten innovative products and solutions that form the core of AI-Optical Network (AI-ON), aimed at enabling operators to establish AI-centered, fully optical target networks that will accelerate the widespread adoption of AI services.

Kim Jin, the Vice President of Huawei’s Optical Business Product Line, emphasized that the convergence of optical technology and AI is key to achieving coordinated development between the two. With the launch of new products such as the AI-FAN and AI-OTN, network operators are better equipped to create fully optical networks that drive value-oriented operations with ultra-gigabit speeds, offering high-quality access to computing power and services.

In addition, the summit highlighted the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)'s vision ION-2030 for next-generation optical networks, unveiled in October 2025. Ao Li, Vice President of CAICT, remarked on the synergistic relationship between optical networks and AI, which will effectively support extensive computing applications and leverage large models to pave the way for highly autonomous networks. This transition in China from 'Gigabit everywhere' to '10G expansion' reflects a significant step forward in the quest for improved broadband quality and rapid computing capabilities.

Several prominent names in the telecommunications sector, including China Mobile, China Telecom, and Zain Jordan, showcased their latest efforts to seize opportunities ushered by AI advancements. Building on enhanced bandwidth speeds, they are not only improving connectivity for households but also introducing intelligent services and proactive support, ensuring top-tier AI application experiences for end-users.

As operators transition into this new era of value-oriented operations, they maximize the potential of their installed bases, broaden their suite of value-added services, and identify new avenues for sustainable growth. The innovations introduced at the summit reaffirm the essential role of AI in elevating service quality and operational efficiency for telecommunication networks.

Furthermore, Huawei's array of AI-FTTR products such as an AI Home Hub and an AI Smart Box was introduced to support the expansion of ultra-gigabit technologies. Their pioneering high-density 50G-PON service board also promises to enhance commercial deployments significantly. Innovations in low-latency computing networks were realized through Huawei's introduction of Mini-OXC and end-to-end OSU/fgOTN solutions, demonstrating their commitment to leading the charge in telecommunications advancements.

This holistic approach of integrating service, network, and computing functions positions Huawei as a driving force in the optical networking market, paving the way for a new chapter in the digital economy. Conclusively, the AI-ON Summit stands as a catalyst for transformative change, propelling network operators towards the establishment of AI-centric optical networks essential for growth in the AI era.