Lumentum Optical Circuit Switch to Improve Next-Generation AI Data Center Scalability
- Proven MEMS-based technology optimized for high reliability, performance, and increased AI data center scalability
- Lumentum R300 OCS 300x300 port product currently being sampled by multiple customers
- General availability expected in second half of 2025
Lumentum Holdings Inc. ("Lumentum"), a global leader in optical and photonic solutions for the cloud and networking markets, announced today that its R300 optical circuit switch (OCS) 300x300 port product is currently sampling with multiple hyperscale customers and is slated for general availability in the second half of 2025. The R300 is a breakthrough solution designed to enhance the scalability, performance, and efficiency of artificial intelligence (AI) clusters and intra-data-center networks. Lumentum will showcase the new product at the 2025 Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibition (OFC) at Booth #2119 in San Francisco CA, from April 1-3rd.
"Lumentum has a long-standing track record of optical innovation and deep expertise in MEMS optical switching technology that provides a distinct advantage in delivering a high-quality OCS product for AI infrastructure," said Wupen Yuen, Lumentum president of Cloud and Networking. "Feedback from customers has been very positive, due to its ability to improve network reliability and performance, including substantial reductions in data center network power consumption. This product adds to our broad portfolio of innovative photonic solutions that increase AI data center scalability."
The Lumentum OCS leverages decades of engineering expertise in developing and deploying high-performance, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology in demanding telecom applications. Based on over 1 trillion field mirror operating hours and a proven portfolio with hundreds of patents, the OCS is designed to provide high reliability and performance.
As hyperscalers scale AI infrastructure to meet surging demand, optical switching offers a power-efficient, cost-effective, and reliable alternative to traditional Ethernet-based architectures. Lumentum estimates that adopting its OCS can reduce overall AI data center network power consumption by 65% or more in 100K-scale GPU deployments compared to InfiniBand or Ethernet solutions. Market research firm Cignal AI projects that the OCS market will surpass $1B by 2028, driven by AI and cloud network advancements.
"As multiple hyperscale operators and AI hardware vendors now dedicate significant resources to improving the scaling of AI systems, OCS components are becoming a critical technology for success," said Scott Wilkinson, lead analyst at Cignal AI. "These operators and vendors will adopt the technology on different timelines, and they will ultimately drive the widespread adoption of OCS as a superior alternative to electrical switching in certain parts of the network."
Key Benefits of the Lumentum OCS
Major advantages include:
- Significant power savings. Reduces power consumption, compared to traditional Ethernet-based infrastructures.
- Ultra-low latency. Eliminates OEO conversion, reducing latency by 5X to 10X versus Ethernet switching.
- Ultra-wideband capability. Unlike liquid crystal-based switches, MEMS technology operates seamlessly across the O, C, or L optical bands, making it a future-proof solution for next-generation transmission technologies.
- Superior signal integrity. Low insertion and return loss, along with minimal polarization-dependent loss (PDL) and polarization mode dispersion (PMD), ensure exceptional optical performance.
- Exceptional stability. Lumentum's proprietary MEMS technology eliminates the need for closed loop control, reducing system complexity, while preventing dither noise – unwanted oscillations that can degrade signal performance.
- Enhanced reliability and availability. A modular design with redundant power supplies, fans and easily replaceable control electronics minimizes potential downtime.
About Lumentum
Lumentum (NASDAQ:LITE) is a market-leading designer and manufacturer of innovative optical and photonic products enabling optical networking and laser applications worldwide. Lumentum optical components and subsystems are part of virtually every type of telecom, enterprise, and data center network. Lumentum lasers enable advanced manufacturing techniques and diverse applications, including next-generation 3D sensing capabilities. Lumentum is headquartered in San Jose, California, with R&D, manufacturing, and sales offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.lumentum.com and follow Lumentum on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
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Lumentum Contact Information:
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