Huawei's AI Optical Network: A Bold Step for Future Connectivity in 2025
At the recent Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Huawei's Bob Chen, who heads the Optical Business Product Line, revealed the company's forward-looking vision of optical networks transitioning towards an AI-infused architecture known as AI Optical Network (AI ON). This ambitious shift is specifically intended to enhance connectivity in the burgeoning realm of artificial intelligence (AI), establishing a robust foundation for future growth and prosperity.
The era of AI is characterized by three primary features that necessitate evolution in network structures: the omnipresence of AI applications, ubiquitous AI computing power, and a paradigm of AI-native systems. These traits call for networks capable of discerning service types, delivering differentiated connectivity, and ensuring optimal service experiences. Moreover, it is critical for networks to facilitate deterministic connectivity that supports flexible computation planning, while seamlessly integrating AI functionalities to enhance both service quality and network efficiency.
In his address, Chen highlighted Huawei's ongoing commitment to global collaboration since the introduction of target networks for the AI era in 2024. This initiative has led to continuous innovation and the clear evolution of next-generation optical networks, encapsulated in the concept of AI ON.
Based on previous experiences, advancements are necessary for optical networks to meet the unique demands of future applications. Here are some of the pivotal aspects:
1. Service Type Awareness: Historically, optical networks did not identify service types. However, future networks are expected to proactively and accurately discern different service types based on traffic patterns and flow directions. This capability allows networks to meet stringent requirements regarding bandwidth, latency, and reliability.
2. On-Demand Connectivity: Unlike the past wherein networks provided uniform connectivity, upcoming optical networks are set to offer real-time, differentiated connectivity tailored to specific service demands. For instance, a gaming user might be offered a three-hour package with a bandwidth of 1 Gbps to optimize their experience.
3. Reliability: Past network reliability issues due to congestion, failures, and increased service demands have hindered connectivity quality. Future optical networks must provide high-quality connections invariably, regardless of service fluctuations or network changes, ensuring deterministic latency and zero packet loss for all services.
4. Autonomous Operation Management: Traditional reactive maintenance practices, which respond post-failure, will evolve into proactive risk identification and mitigation strategies. This enhancement aims to empower networks with self-repairing and optimizing capabilities.
5. AI-Native Features: Full-stack AI functionalities must be embedded within network terminals, devices, and management systems, accelerating the network's intelligence. For example, AI power integrated into Optical Network Terminals (ONT) and Fiber to the Room (FTTR) technologies can identify application types while improving device performance through localized computational models.
Chen articulated the sweeping societal shifts enabled by AI, which herald significant opportunities for the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. Just as the highest service quality standards like 5A set benchmarks in industries such as hospitality and tourism, premium connectivity will be essential to maximize these emerging opportunities. Huawei pledges to advance optical networks towards AI integration, providing 5A quality connectivity and catalyzing a new era of growth in the realm of artificial intelligence.
The Three Defining Characteristics
The era of AI is characterized by three primary features that necessitate evolution in network structures: the omnipresence of AI applications, ubiquitous AI computing power, and a paradigm of AI-native systems. These traits call for networks capable of discerning service types, delivering differentiated connectivity, and ensuring optimal service experiences. Moreover, it is critical for networks to facilitate deterministic connectivity that supports flexible computation planning, while seamlessly integrating AI functionalities to enhance both service quality and network efficiency.
In his address, Chen highlighted Huawei's ongoing commitment to global collaboration since the introduction of target networks for the AI era in 2024. This initiative has led to continuous innovation and the clear evolution of next-generation optical networks, encapsulated in the concept of AI ON.
Key Evolution Aspects
Based on previous experiences, advancements are necessary for optical networks to meet the unique demands of future applications. Here are some of the pivotal aspects:
1. Service Type Awareness: Historically, optical networks did not identify service types. However, future networks are expected to proactively and accurately discern different service types based on traffic patterns and flow directions. This capability allows networks to meet stringent requirements regarding bandwidth, latency, and reliability.
2. On-Demand Connectivity: Unlike the past wherein networks provided uniform connectivity, upcoming optical networks are set to offer real-time, differentiated connectivity tailored to specific service demands. For instance, a gaming user might be offered a three-hour package with a bandwidth of 1 Gbps to optimize their experience.
3. Reliability: Past network reliability issues due to congestion, failures, and increased service demands have hindered connectivity quality. Future optical networks must provide high-quality connections invariably, regardless of service fluctuations or network changes, ensuring deterministic latency and zero packet loss for all services.
4. Autonomous Operation Management: Traditional reactive maintenance practices, which respond post-failure, will evolve into proactive risk identification and mitigation strategies. This enhancement aims to empower networks with self-repairing and optimizing capabilities.
5. AI-Native Features: Full-stack AI functionalities must be embedded within network terminals, devices, and management systems, accelerating the network's intelligence. For example, AI power integrated into Optical Network Terminals (ONT) and Fiber to the Room (FTTR) technologies can identify application types while improving device performance through localized computational models.
Conclusion
Chen articulated the sweeping societal shifts enabled by AI, which herald significant opportunities for the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. Just as the highest service quality standards like 5A set benchmarks in industries such as hospitality and tourism, premium connectivity will be essential to maximize these emerging opportunities. Huawei pledges to advance optical networks towards AI integration, providing 5A quality connectivity and catalyzing a new era of growth in the realm of artificial intelligence.
Topics Telecommunications）
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