Huawei Proposes Next-generation OTN All-optical Network Solution for AIDC

During the NetworkX 2026, Huawei shared its vision of building a “LIGHTS” all-optical network at the Optical Transmission Innovation Summit. Huawei elaborated on the three waves of opportunities that AI brings to operators, and explained how AIDC centered all-optical networks can leverage Huawei’s next-generation OTN solution to help operators drive business growth.

AI brings three waves of opportunities for operators

Gavin Gu delivered a speech at the summit. The rapid development of AI has unlocked three waves of opportunities for operators: data center interconnection for ultra large scale enterprises, dedicated lines for enterprise computing power, and network integration services. This is reshaping optical transmission: shifting from basic networks serving consumers and home users to business networks serving enterprises (ToBs) and AI; Shift from administrative region based planning to planning centered around AIDC.

Next generation OTN solution enhances all-optical networks centered around AIDC

To seize these opportunities, operators need all-optical networks centered around AIDC. Huawei has proposed the LIGHTS target network as a key priority for operators in the AI era, with six key capabilities: low latency, intelligent operation and maintenance, green infrastructure, high reliability, Tbps level capacity, and security assurance.

Gavin Gu, President of Huawei Optical Transport Networks, introduced Huawei’s next-generation OTN solution, which covers DCI and DCA scenarios and responds to the need to build a LIGHTS target network.

In terms of DCI, the next generation OTN offers 800G to 2T ultra high speed capacity and OTN capacity pool, pre deploying capacity in multiple directions with minimal resources. It helps operators achieve rapid market launch, maximize fiber capacity, and meet Tbps level bandwidth and fast delivery requirements for DCI traffic.

In terms of DCA, Huawei provides end-to-end OXC to achieve mesh one hop direct architecture, millisecond level WSON to ensure high availability, fgOTN to provide flexible bandwidth from 10Mbps to 1Gbps, and integrated QKD solution to achieve quantum encryption. In addition, the next generation OTN has been upgraded in both hardware and software, providing an end-to-end “zero interruption network”.

LIGHTS all-optical network drives business growth

Driven by the LIGHTS all-optical network, operators are shifting from a bandwidth only model to providing core capabilities and value-added services. The computing power dedicated line is advancing from a single bandwidth dimension to a multidimensional dimension covering bandwidth, latency, reliability, and security. This enables operators to provide differentiated services for different industries and enhance pricing power. At the same time, the integration of computing and network services is also accelerating. For example, in Hubei, China, operators are combining their network and computing power advantages to launch integrated services in industries such as education, healthcare, and finance.

The LIGHTS all-optical network for the AI era is helping operators seize the opportunities driven by AI, achieve network monetization and business growth. Huawei will collaborate with industry partners to promote technological innovation and business growth, accelerating the evolution of the optical transmission industry towards the AI era.