NTT Corp and Toshiba Corporation have jointly established a consortium to advance the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN). In doing so, this collaborative project will greatly improve the way data is communicated while addressing the growing energy needs of data centers. IOWN now claims over 160 members, including all of the largest technology companies such as Google and Microsoft. Individually and together, they are now poised to lead an information and communications infrastructure revolution.
Just last week, NTT held one of its first demonstrations of IOWN’s potential. They achieved high speed factory production remotely controlled from a data center 300 km away. This record-breaking feat required an optical, wireless and aerial network to underline how dramatic efficiency and speed gains are achievable. SPEC aims to develop a next-generation ultra-low energy communication system that not only minimizes energy consumption by several orders of magnitude, but improves overall performance.
IOWN’s specific innovations thus far have been in research and development of semiconductor integration and optical packaging utilizing silicon photonics. NTT is currently working with U.S. chipmaker Broadcom, among others, to commercialize a second-generation PEC, called Photonic Electric Converter (PEC), by 2026. Creating economic opportunities for artists This new initiative is just one piece within a wider informational roadmap. Acacia is hoping to move data centers from electrical wiring to optical-based solutions.
The Roadmap for IOWN
NTT has created a well-defined staged plan that progresses the IOWN project. This roadmap lays out three clear phases that detail steps to advance optical communication capabilities. This first phase aims to transition optical communication between circuitboards. The second phase, scheduled to start in 2028, introduces inter-chip optical links. Then, from 2031 to 2032, the third phase will work on building connections within each chip. This smart step forward further demonstrates NTT’s dedication to minimizing the use of electrical wiring and expanding the reach of optical technology.
C. Sean Lawrence, an expert involved in the IOWN project, emphasized the need for innovative thinking to overcome existing challenges.
“We need to think differently to overcome this,” – C. Sean Lawrence
This vision for IOWN is intended to address the energy consumption problems associated with existing fiber optic technologies. These technologies require photons to be converted into electrical signals at the internet server level, and IOWN aims to make that process more efficient.
“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
The importance of IOWN in moving technology forward, especially in telecom, cannot be overemphasized. Takasumi Tanabe, professor of electronics and electrical engineering at Tokyo’s Keio University, said the significance of IOWN is found in its research and development endeavors. He said these challenges remain at the device level.
The Role of Research and Development
He further cautioned against the feasibility of completely eliminating electronics from data communication systems:
“At the device level, some aspects are more challenging,” – Takasumi Tanabe
Despite the obstacles, Tanabe is upbeat and hopeful. He sees photonic devices becoming essential, indispensable components of systems where low power consumption, high bandwidth and low latency are paramount.
“A completely ‘all-optical’ system, in which electronics are removed entirely, may not be feasible with the current state of device physics.” – Takasumi Tanabe
As technology continues to develop, artificial intelligence (AI) will have a key part to play. It is poised to greatly accelerate the development and deployment of IOWN. From microchips to skulls Rubenstein said that the current AI boom has pushed computing back to the cutting edge of technology.
“Even so, I expect photonic devices to play an increasingly important role in the most critical parts of future systems, where low-power consumption, high bandwidth and low latency are required.” – Takasumi Tanabe
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence
This way of thinking highlights the importance for all IOWN stakeholders to truly realize the possibilities. By utilizing AI, we’re increasing efficiencies in our systems and maximizing energy consumption. This strategy further feeds into our project’s overarching goal of developing a sustainable communication infrastructure to support and strengthen.
“With the advent of AI,” Rubenstein adds, “Computing has returned to center of everything. If the AI boom slows, then the urgency will disappear. But if AI continues as it has done, in five years it will be much closer to that vision.” – Rubenstein
This perspective underscores the urgency for industry stakeholders to fully embrace IOWN’s potential. The incorporation of AI can enhance system efficiencies and optimize energy use, ultimately aligning with the project’s goal of creating a sustainable communication infrastructure.