As I return to the OFC show this year, I am again struck by innovations that will challenge the status quo of the optical networking industry. In particular, the role of AI and quantum computing are two to consider.
Taking it a step further, Dimitra Simeonidou, a Professor of High-Performance Networks at the University of Bristol and OFC conference chair, said the optical industry is being driven by what she calls “disruptors.”
“Disruption comes from AI and embedded AI networks, Quantum technologies, and quantum cloud data centers,” she said. “If we look at disruptors that will change our industry, they first appear at OFC.”
Chris Fludger, head of DSP development at Infinera, explains how quantum is finding its way out of the labs. “People are keen to demonstrate quantum over classic networks to show that it is usable in the field,” he said.
These trends will be highlighted in the show’s plenary speaker lineup: Anita Döhler, Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) Alliance; Inder Monga, ESnet; and David Richardson, Microsoft. Also, OFC 2024 will again feature OFCnet, a live network built to showcase emerging technologies, including quantum networking, network element interoperability, SDN and programmability, and networking for big data/big science applications.
In this OFC 2024 preview issue, we highlight how providers like Zayo and Astound Business Solutions are implementing 400G and eying 800G.
Join me as we look to celebrate the disruptors taking charge who are taking chances on new approaches to enable new technologies and services.