Fujitsu has announced plans to establish an Open All-Photonics Network (APN) ⁽¹⁾ Lab in Düsseldorf, Germany from November 2024 to March 2025. The aim is to popularize APNs and promote the global expansion of the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) ⁽²⁾. The lab is the first of its kind outside of Japan ^(3).

Mainly, visitors can experience firsthand the benefits of Open APN technology, including its ease of operation and versatility. Moreover, network carriers, data center operators and vendors can use the lab to verify APN functionality and multi-vendor connectivity.

Generally, Open APNs facilitate the connection of multi-vendor products and solutions. At the same time, it also provides high capacity, low latency and low power consumption. Basically, a new IOWN service will be introduced in Japan from fiscal 2025. Further, it is expected that APNs will become more widespread.

Fujitsu has been working towards the open sourcing of network technologies, including mobile networks. With the establishment of the Open APN Lab, the company will continue to promote the understanding of open APN technology. Also, it will encourage the wider use of this low-power, high-capacity technology as part of its commitment to creating a sustainable society.

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI), big data processing, and 5G are becoming more widespread globally. Thus, there is a growing need for larger optical data transmission capacities between wireless base stations and core networks, and data centers. In addition, with the expansion of telecommunication infrastructure, network carriers and data center operators are prioritizing efforts to reduce power consumption, especially in Europe where energy costs are soaring.

Düsseldorf is home to many telecom-related companies. Specifically, the Open APN Lab will be located within easy access of Düsseldorf International Airport and major European cities. This makes it convenient for visits by network carriers both in Germany and elsewhere in Europe.

Also, the lab will allow companies to experience using APNs developed by Fujitsu and experience firsthand the benefits they offer. Additionally, they can gain information about future network services through introductions of APN use cases.

The establishment of this Open APN Lab comes as part of a contract gained from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) to conduct field trials towards the overseas deployment of APNs in Europe.

Future Plans

After the lab closes in March 2025, Fujitsu will conduct field trials. The company also plans to further expand its APN labs globally, including in North America.

Notes:

^[1] All-Photonics Network (APN): A network that achieves ultra-high speed, low latency, and low power consumption by transmitting optical signals without optical-electrical conversion

^[2] IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network): An innovative network and information processing infrastructure capable of providing high-speed, large-capacity communications and vast computing resources by utilizing advanced technologies such as photoelectric fusion

^[3] The world’s first facility: According to research by Fujitsu as of August 30, 2024

-02 September 2024-