Key Takeaways from the OFC 2025 Conference
John Chiarini, Principal Solutions Architect
OFC always delivers on showcasing the advancements in the optical networking industry, from component-level innovation to complete optical network solutions. It's safe to say no one was surprised that OFC 2025 had a significant focus on innovations in the AI/ML data center environment.
One of the show's central themes was the latest AI data center optics advancements. 800G multi-mode AI/ML backend network optics were on full display, but it was clear that 1.6Tbps client optics were on the horizon. All the major players highlighted, and some demonstrated, their advancements in 200G per lane, 1.6Tbps client optics. Notable mention in this space is Acacia/Cisco with the announcement of their Kibo 1.6T PAM4 DSP and their 200G per lane optical engine portfolio. Packaged together, Acacia is positioned to provide a family of 200G per lane 1.6Tbps pluggable optics to meet the lower power, high bandwidth, and smaller footprint demands of AI/ML-focused data centers.
Non-dsp-based pluggable optics, or, for that matter, completely eliminating the pluggable optic, was also a prominent topic. It was clear at OFC that many organizations are focused on Co-Packaged Optics (CPO). CPOs move the DSP and the optical engine from the pluggable, placing them onboard and "next to" the GPU's ASIC. Unlike pluggable optics, which rely on electrical interfaces, CPOs utilize silicone photonics for ASIC-to-optic communications. CPOs provide a 100% pure optical interconnect between AI data center devices. CPO technology is well-positioned to transform AI data centers with terabit-scale connectivity, superior energy efficiency, and simplified deployment, marking a significant advancement in AI infrastructure.
Another notable trend was in data center "switching." We know devices like servers and GPUs are connected via a switch fabric, and switches use pluggable optics. But what happens when a data center adopts CPO with no pluggable optics or if pluggable optics are used but you need to reduce the number of optical to electrical conversions to gain better latency, space, and power performance? One prominent solution is optically based switching technologies known as Optical Circuit Switches (OCS).
This year at OFC, three robust OCS platforms were displayed: Lumentum's R300 OCS, Coherent's 300x300 OCS, and the Polatis 6000 & 7000. These platforms are poised to revolutionize data center architectures, offering low latency, high bandwidth, and scalable connectivity. The synergy between high-speed optics and optical switching fabrics is positioned to unlock significant gains in data center efficiency and throughput.
Finally, following Nokia's acquisition of Infinera, I was curious how the two companies would integrate their presence at OFC. I wondered if Infinera's identity would immediately merge with Nokia's. Fortunately, Infinera maintained a distinct and prominent presence with a dedicated booth strategically located near the entrance. While their marketing materials did acknowledge the acquisition with the tagline "Now a Part of Nokia," the separate booth underscored Infinera's continued recognition as an original and highly innovative force within the optical networking industry.
Tyler Tappy, Technical Solutions Architect
OFC wasn't just a tech conference; it was a reunion, a place where industry relationships were forged and strengthened. Catching up with colleagues and engaging with leading experts sparked conversations that fueled the technical discussions. From these connections, the real-world challenges facing optical communications came into sharp focus, particularly the pressing need to expand network capacity.
The core debate centered on a fundamental question: how do we meet the ever-growing demand for bandwidth? Should we invest heavily in deploying new fiber, or can we push existing infrastructure further? The Shannon limit was a major point of discussion, with a focus on improving GSNR using advanced technologies. The practical hurdles of laying new fiber, like cost and logistics, made optimizing existing DWDM systems a critical area of focus. Novel fiber technologies, such as hollow-core and multi-core, were explored, though questions about amplification requirements remained. On the amplification side, multi-band approaches and noise reduction techniques were hot topics, with some arguing they could lessen the need for low-loss fibers.
Beyond the physical layer, AI's growing influence was a significant theme. The conference tackled the immense power consumption associated with AI workloads, pushing for solutions that minimize space and energy use. Hyperscalers' demands for efficient port utilization, ensuring every bit of bandwidth is used, added another layer of complexity. The benefits of optical layer consolidation, freeing up resources for AI, were also heavily discussed.
Ultimately, OFC highlighted the necessity for a collaborative, hybrid approach. The industry recognized that some new fiber deployment is inevitable, but that innovative technologies are equally vital for squeezing the maximum capacity from existing networks. In essence, OFC underscored that meeting the future's bandwidth demands requires a blend of strategic infrastructure expansion and cutting-edge technological advancements, driven by strong collaboration between fiber providers and equipment manufacturers.
Curt Wagner, Core Networking Advisor
Last week's OFC 2025 provided a valuable opportunity to delve into the current state of the optical communications industry. The focus on data center expansion to support AI demands, particularly among web-scalers, was a notable trend. Exploring the latest research and innovations in optical networks and fiber optic solutions offered a solid understanding of the evolving landscape.
Networking at the event, with its extensive participation from global companies, allowed for meaningful interactions with industry leaders, OEMs, and service partners. These discussions provided insights into potential collaborations and a clearer perspective on aligning my work with industry needs. The exhibition hall showcased a range of cutting-edge technologies, and the conference sessions offered valuable information on current industry developments. The event, co-sponsored by the IEEE Communications Society, the IEEE Photonics Society, and OPTICA, effectively highlighted the current trends within the optical communications ecosystem.