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Huawei's Vision for AI-Driven Optical Networks

At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona 2025, Huawei's Bob Chen, the head of the Optical Business Product Line, laid out an ambitious roadmap for the evolution of optical networks in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). He introduced the concept of AI ON—AI Optical Network—designed to empower networks with advanced capabilities that are essential for the demands of the modern tech landscape.

The Era of AI and Its Requirements

Chen emphasized that the current AI era is defined by three key characteristics: ubiquitous application of AI, widespread computing power, and the integration of AI into various sectors. This transformation necessitates networks capable of understanding and differentiating services, ensuring optimal service experiences, and providing deterministic connectivity that can accommodate fluctuating workloads and service demands.

Meeting Connectivity Challenges

He highlighted that the shift towards AI ON is necessitated by the inadequacies of traditional optical networks. Historically, these networks lacked the ability to detect service types efficiently. Future networks, however, must accurately identify service types based on traffic structures and flow directions. This approach ensures compliance with the key requirements of bandwidth, latency, and reliability, allowing networks to respond intelligently to user needs.

On-Demand Connectivity

Unlike earlier models that offered uniform connectivity, the next generation of optical networks will provide real-time differentiated connectivity tailored to specific service requests. For instance, a gaming user might be offered a temporary bandwidth package of 1 Gbps for a period, effectively optimizing their online experience.

Quality Assurance in Connectivity

Chen noted that previous network setups were often plagued by interruptions caused by congestion, outages, and increased service demands, leading to subpar connectivity. As networks evolve, they will need to guarantee high-quality connections irrespective of network changes or service variations. The goal is to achieve deterministic latency and zero packet loss across all service types, thereby enhancing user reliability.

Proactive Maintenance and Self-Optimization

Traditional reactive maintenance practices are not sufficient for the future. Chen proposed a shift to autonomous operations that proactively identify and address potential risks before they impact users. Sustainable network health requires functionalities for self-repair and optimization, ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery.

Integration of Full-Stack AI Capabilities

For Huawei, integrating full-stack AI capabilities into devices and network management systems is critical to enhancing network intelligence. The processing power of AI in devices, such as Optical Network Terminals (ONT) for Fiber-to-the-Room (FTTR) setups, will enable devices to identify application types and optimize performance, enhancing user experiences and operational efficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bob Chen articulated that AI is a transformative force in human society, presenting unprecedented opportunities for the ICT industry. Achieving the highest quality of service, represented by the 5A standard, will be pivotal to seizing these opportunities effectively. Huawei is committed to collaborating with industry partners to advance optical networks towards AI ON, ensuring 5A quality connectivity and fostering new growth in the age of AI. This commitment underscores Huawei's resolve to lead the way in a digitally interconnected future with intelligent network solutions.