The importance of sustainability in optical networks
Overall, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry is consuming more energy than ever. This affects both the planet and service providers’ bottom lines. For example, ICT now accounts for 3 – 4% of the world’s carbon emissions. The largest service providers can spend over $1 billion annually for electricity. Furthermore, emerging digital technologies such as blockchain, Machine Learning (ML), 5G, and virtual reality are contributing to data growth of roughly 60% per year. This will continue to drive network capacity and the demand for power. Developing optical networks that can meet the growing needs of a data-driven world while minimizing our environmental impact requires new, more innovative technologies that bring higher performance with increased sustainability.
Fujitsu’s commitment to corporate sustainability
Fujitsu is committed to sustainability. Our purpose, the reason we exist is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. That commitment includes the goal of reaching zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 through innovative energy conservation, using cutting-edge technologies, strategic use of renewable energy, and carbon credits. In addition, Fujitsu is focusing our innovation on fields such as mobility and manufacturing in order to optimize the energy use of society and to speed its move to carbon neutrality. Fujitsu is also applying our research and development to help reduce the effects of climate change. We are applying tools such as High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to increase our understanding of climate change, how it impacts the world, and what we can do about it. For example, we’re using our tools and expertise to minimize the damage caused by climate change by building resilient social infrastructure and ensuring a stable supply of agricultural products.
1FINITY Ultra Optical System combined approach
Fujitsu’s new 1FINITY Ultra Optical System represents one way Fujitsu is improving the sustainability of optical networks. The 1FINITY T900 Optical Transponder features several innovative new technologies that make it more sustainable. Our transponder uses 135 Gigabaud Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) produced with five nanometer fabrication processes. This allows it to operate using less power than transponders, but with seven nanometer processes, up to 39% less power. In addition, the transponder uses the same patented liquid cooling technology that Fujitsu developed for our supercomputers. We scale this down to work in the form factor of our transponder and have made it completely self-contained. The result is a dramatic reduction in the size, operating requirements, and the need for high-speed fans. This means less power and up to 50% less noise than conventional transponders. When used in a network, our new transponder can deliver up to 40% more capacity or 40% longer reach for lower cost per bit per kilometer plus a significant energy and environmental savings. Fujitsu’s breakthrough Forward Raman Amplification System increases Optical Reach or capacity. This enables network operators to reduce the number of transponders and Inline Amplifier (ILA) sites along with the corresponding environmental impacts. Finally, Fujitsu’s continuous C-band plus L-band switching technology enables us to deliver twice the bandwidth with the same number of components as traditional C-band only solutions. This reduces the carbon footprint of the entire supply chain and eliminates the need for a separate L-band layer deployment and all its associated costs.
Sustainability in Fujitsu’s optical products
The enhanced sustainability of the new 1FINITY Ultra Optical System (900 series) reflects Fujitsu’s deeper commitment to the environment. That’s a part of everything we do. Our goal is to achieve zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 through innovative energy conservation, cutting-edge technologies, as well as strategic use of renewable energy and carbon credits. Leveraging HPC, AI, and other technologies, we are developing more responsible infrastructure solutions that help the ICT sector, and the world, reduce and reverse the damage caused by climate change. Recent and ongoing extreme climate events across the globe are now sounding a warning that is impossible to ignore. As an industry, we have the ability to make a significant contribution to help the world change course. Fujitsu’s vision of a more responsible and sustainable network blends the benefits of converged technologies with environmental sensitivity.
Learn more about Fujitsu’s sustainable 1FINITY Ultra Optical System (900 Series).