Japan consortium wins ITU-T photonic network standard

The ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) approved a framework for low-latency, energy-efficient networks designed to support the AI era, developed by seven Japanese telecoms and technology companies. KDDI, NTT, 1Finity, NEC, Rakuten Mobile, Oki Electric Industry and Sumitomo Electric Industries stated the recommendation, now designated ITU-T Y.3335, was approved on 13 August. The framework is aimed at advancing the All-Photonics Network (APN), which the companies described as a strategic pillar of Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications initiative to build next-generation information and communication infrastructure for an AI-driven society, part of its Beyond 5G Promotion Strategy 2.0. The group noted APN technology will be needed globally as a foundation for next-generation services, including physical AI applications, because it can deliver high-capacity, low-latency and energy-efficient connectivity, supporting real-time processing of data gathered from sensors and robots operating in remote locations. Much of the underlying work has been coordinated through the IOWN Global Forum, which has been developing common technical documentation covering APN architecture and functional requirements. Additionally, the companies have been researching photonic network federation technology, intended to allow APNs run by different operators to interconnect reliably, including work to develop interconnection methods and test them on live equipment. The companies explained achieving interoperability and adoption at a global scale, particularly among operators and regions outside these existing initiatives, required a common framework built on broader international consensus, which prompted the push for ITU-T standardisation. The newly approved Y.3335 recommendation sets out network configurations and technical requirements for establishing low-latency, energy-efficient communication paths which span different operators. It consolidates accumulated APN knowledge and photonic network federation research into a format which is not tied to any single organisation or implementation approach. The goal is to make it easier to build APN services across multiple operators and support high-speed, energy-efficient connectivity even between geographically dispersed sites. The seven companies stated they will continue standardisation work in Japan and internationally, drawing on domestic network technology and standards expertise. Within ITU-T, they are also contributing to a separate recommendation on functional architecture for low-latency, energy-efficient networks, targeted for completion in October 2028, as part of continued efforts to support global APN adoption for AI applications. Some of the underlying research was conducted under Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology as part of its Innovative ICT Fund Projects for Beyond 5G/6G. The post Japan consortium wins ITU-T photonic network standard appeared first on Mobile World Live .