Huawei Proposes Next-Gen OTN for AI-Centric Networks
Huawei unveiled its next-generation OTN solution on October 15, aiming to boost telecommunications operators' growth in AI-driven network investments.
At the NetworkX 2026 conference in Vienna on October 15, technology firm Huawei presented its next-generation Optical Transport Network (OTN) solution. The company stated the solution is designed to support the "LIGHTS" All-Optical Network, intended to capitalize on new business opportunities created by artificial intelligence (AI) for telecommunications operators.
Huawei's presentation highlighted how AI is generating three significant opportunities for operators: datacenter interconnection for hyperscale cloud providers, private lines for enterprise computing power needs, and integrated computing and network services. This shifts the role of optical transport networks from basic infrastructure to solutions suitable for enterprise use and AI applications.
Key features of the "LIGHTS" network include low latency, intelligent operation, a green foundation, high reliability, terabit-level capacity, and security assurance. The new OTN solution covers both Data Center Interconnect (DCI) and Data Center All-optical (DCA) scenarios. For DCI, it offers 800 Gb/s to 2 Tb/s capacity and more efficient resource utilization, while for DCA, the solution includes end-to-end OXC, millisecond-level WSON support, flexible bandwidth fgOTN, and quantum encryption.
According to Huawei, this network enables operators to transition from selling only bandwidth to offering core capabilities and value-added services. For instance, in China's Hubei province, operators are already combining network and computing power to provide integrated services in education, healthcare, and finance sectors. Huawei plans to continue collaborating with partners to advance technological and business development in the AI era.