e& UAE, Huawei Launch AI Optical Innovation Center
▼ Summary
– e& UAE and Huawei have launched the Optical Innovation Center to accelerate digital infrastructure transformation through joint technology development.
– The center has introduced three regional-first optical breakthroughs: hollow-core fiber DCI for ultra-low latency, zero-loss protection for AI reliability, and fine-grained OTN for precise bandwidth management.
– AI-driven network operations are being advanced with innovations like a transmission digital map for predictive maintenance and a GenAI Copilot for autonomous management.
– These innovations aim to create elastic, lossless transport networks that meet the high capacity and low latency demands of AI workloads.
– The collaboration will continue under “Network for AI” and “AI for Network” strategies to build a resilient foundation for the UAE’s AI-powered future.
A major new initiative is set to accelerate the United Arab Emirates’ journey toward next-generation digital infrastructure. e& UAE has partnered with Huawei to establish the Optical Innovation Center, a facility dedicated to advancing AI-ready network capabilities. This joint effort focuses on developing and testing transformative technologies across transport, access, and in-home connectivity, marking a significant evolution in the long-standing strategic alliance between the two organizations.
The collaboration is structured around three core objectives: achieving network leadership, delivering a superior user experience, and building a sustainable business model. By integrating the principles of “Network for AI” and “AI for Network,” the partnership has already yielded pioneering trial results. These early successes showcase advanced optical capabilities specifically engineered to handle the immense and growing demands of artificial intelligence applications.
The center has announced four landmark innovations scheduled for incubation and implementation. These breakthroughs are designed to create a more elastic, lossless, and ultra-low latency transport network perfectly suited for AI.
A key achievement is the regional-first trial of hollow-core fiber for AI data center interconnect. Utilizing Huawei’s Kepler platform, the test achieved a record-breaking transmission speed of 128 Tbps per fiber while simultaneously cutting latency by one-third for every kilometer. This sets a new benchmark for high-capacity, ultra-low-latency connections between data centers, which is critical for distributed AI processing.
Addressing the need for absolute reliability in AI training, the partners developed a zero-loss protection mechanism for DCI. This system is crucial because even a tiny 0.1 percent packet loss can slash AI training efficiency by up to fifty percent. The new mechanism ensures uninterrupted remote computing, dramatically boosting the reliability of intensive AI workloads.
Another regional first involved the trial of a fine-grained optical transport network. This next-generation OTN technology features adjustable bandwidth granularity down to 10 Mbps. It provides secure, low-latency, and highly predictable channels, which are essential for AI applications that require precise and meticulous traffic management.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the OIC is pioneering the move toward intelligent, self-managing networks. e& UAE has constructed a globally pioneering digital-twin-based system that uses AI agents to oversee transmission networks. The AssurSpirit agent proactively identifies 42 different types of potential network risks in real-time across all layers, enabling predictive maintenance and stronger service assurance.
In lab trials, a generative AI Copilot was introduced to assist with closed-loop service planning, provisioning, and performance optimization through a simple conversational interface. This development represents a major step forward in the journey toward fully autonomous, AI-optimized network operations.
According to Abdul Rahman Al Humaidan, Senior Vice President of Access Network Development at e& UAE, enhancing user experience through AI-driven networks is a top priority. He emphasized that the collaboration introduces sophisticated optical capabilities that significantly improve performance where it is needed most: delivering lower latency, predictable capacity, and greater resiliency for AI workloads throughout the UAE.
Yunbo Gu, President of the Optical Transmission Business Domain at Huawei, reaffirmed the company’s commitment as a long-term strategic partner. He noted that the success of their optical innovation collaboration demonstrates the tangible outcomes of their joint efforts, elevating e& UAE’s AI network capabilities to unprecedented levels. Huawei looks forward to continuing the partnership and contributing to the ongoing advancement of the UAE’s digital infrastructure.
The four innovations unveiled by the Optical Innovation Center are just the beginning. e& UAE and Huawei plan to intensify their collaboration under the “Network for AI” and “AI for Network” strategies. Their focus will remain on continuous co-innovation to build a resilient, high-performance foundation that will power the UAE’s AI-driven future.
(Source: Economy Middle East)