During the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2025, Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line, outlined plans for the evolution of optical networks into AI Optical Network (AI ON) to support the increasing demands of the AI era. This transition is intended to enhance connectivity quality and reliability, forming a foundation for advancements in AI.

The AI era encompasses three main traits: universal AI applications, widespread AI computing power, and AI integration across all platforms. These shifts necessitate networks capable of discerning service types, ensuring optimal connectivity, and integrating AI functionalities for improved service quality and network performance.

Chen noted that since introducing the target network for the AI era in 2024, Huawei has been working with global partners to pursue continual improvements. The envisioned AI ON features include:

  • Awareness: Future optical networks should identify service types based on traffic characteristics, ensuring bandwidth, latency, and reliability meet demands.
  • Always On Demand: Emerging networks must provide real-time, customized connectivity, addressing specific service requirements, such as tailored bandwidth for gaming users.
  • Assurance: Future networks need to ensure high-quality connectivity despite potential disruptions, maintaining consistent latency and eliminating packet loss.
  • Autonomous Operations and Maintenance: Networks should proactively assess and mitigate risks, achieving self-healing capabilities rather than relying on reactive maintenance.
  • AI Native: Comprehensive AI integration should occur across network devices and management systems to enhance operational intelligence and performance.

In conclusion, Chen highlighted that AI embodies a significant transition within society, providing opportunities for the information and communication technology industry. He emphasized that premium connectivity will be crucial in leveraging these advancements as Huawei continues to work collaboratively to move optical networks towards AI ON and deliver enhanced service quality.