NTT and Toshiba have joined forces to accelerate the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN). With innovative optical communication technologies at the core, this one-of-a-kind demonstration project will transform data center operations. As IOWN has garnered support, more than 160 members, this awe inspiring cohort consists of the biggest tech companies in the world such as Google and Microsoft. This ambitious project will carry out research and development of advanced silicon photonics and optical packaging. Combined, these innovations have the potential to dramatically decrease data centers’ energy consumption and environmental impact.
The joint development effort between NTT and Toshiba has reached a crucial milestone, with recent demonstrations confirming high-speed mass factory production. An all-optical, wireless-first network was key to making this historic accomplishment possible. A single data center, 300 kilometers away, decided the fate of everyone’s experience. This technology poses extreme ramifications. In many ways, it opens the door for totally new paradigms for data transfer and processing that could fundamentally change the face of all impacted industries.
Advancements in Optical Communication
One of the key objectives of IOWN is to create optical communication between circuit boards in data centers. Through their photonic initiative, they plan to replace traditional electrical wiring with optical connections. In the process, it will significantly increase data transmission speeds while reducing energy usage. The IOWN roadmap envisions inter-chip links deployed by 2028 and intra-chip connections by 2032.
C. Sean Lawrence, a key member of the steering committee behind the IOWN initiative, laid out the case for innovation in this space.
“The core idea is to move from electrical wiring to optical, inside data centers, between circuit boards in servers, between silicon packages on circuit boards, and eventually between the silicon die inside a package.” – C. Sean Lawrence
Lawrence’s vision highlights how critical it is to reimagine current TDM technological structures to make this possible. He acknowledged that addressing today’s challenges is key to unlocking the full promise of optical communication technologies.
Research and Development Contributions
IOWN is committed to the mission of promoting optical technologies. It’s doing some impressive, cutting-edge R&D in both silicon photonics and optical packaging. Yosuke Aragane, head of CRI’s IOWN Development Office, highlighted the collaborative efforts of the industry leaders involved. Combined, they are driving this technology to market.
Takasumi Tanabe, a professor of electronics and electrical engineering at Tokyo’s Keio University, stated the necessity of IOWN. He said it is particularly pushing the cutting edge in R&D program and development efforts.
“At the device level, some aspects are more challenging,” – Takasumi Tanabe
Tanabe’s experiences and insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of making the transition to optical systems. Limitations in current device physics create hurdles that keep us from realizing a completely optical setup. He noted the futuristic ambition of some pieces inside the IOWN framework.
“While some elements are ambitious,” – Takasumi Tanabe
The ongoing research demonstrates a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in optical communication technology.
Future Prospects and Commercialization Efforts
Japan’s NTT is currently engaged in experiments with U.S. chipmaker Broadcom and other partners. They have a goal to fly their second-generation Photonic Electric Converter (PEC) by 2026. This new development is a key piece of NTT’s broader strategy for IOWN. Its goal is to promote optical technologies as essential components in the future generation of data centers.
As the recent, rapid advancements in artificial intelligence have made clear, computing technologies are becoming increasingly important, Rubenstein emphasized.
“With the advent of AI,” – Rubenstein
This sentiment expresses an industry-wide transition to more efficient computing solutions, echoing the timeliness of IOWN’s goals. Now, the initiative’s main goal is to improve optical communication in order to simplify data center operations. It reflects the increasing movement towards more sustainable technology practices.