Huawei Launches World’s First 10 Petabit All-optical Switch Prototype Leading the way to ultra-large capacity green optical networks

Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, announced the release of the industry’s first 10 petabit (10,000 terabits) all-optical switch prototype at OFC/NFOEC 2012.

The challenges of delivering high-bandwidth content to large numbers of mobile users are transforming optical transport networks. Fiber transmission capacity is reaching 100G/400G, and core switching nodes are providing higher capacity with lower power consumption. Optical transport technology is evolving towards all-optical switching, which can process optical signals directly and cross-connect services of any granularity at the optical layer.

The PPXCprototype released today uses optical burst technology to provide flexible non-blocking switching of multi-granularity services. It allows for simultaneous high-resolution 3D interactions among 100 million people, as well as simultaneous voice services for billions of people. Compared with traditional electrical switches, the all-optical prototype is smaller in size and consumes less power. It provides ultra-large switching capacity in an energy-efficient way, supporting the implementation of "green" optical networks.

"The release of the industry-leading all-optical switch prototype is a significant step towards all-optical networking," said Cai Changtian, president of Transport product line, Huawei. "With accelerated development of ultra-broadband packet networks, all-optical switching technology will play an indispensable role in backbone transport scenarios, such as ultra-large data centers and ultra-large capacity OTN switching clusters."

As a pioneer in the transport network field, Huawei provides first-class products such as WDM/OTN/MS-OTN, MSTP/Hybrid MSTP, microwave products, and end-to-end network solutions. According to consultancy firm Ovum, Huawei ranked No. 1 in the global optical network market, WDM/OTN market, and 40G network market as of Q3 2011. Huawei has deployed over 15 commercial and 50 trial 100G networks as of Y2011.