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Basic AI/Artificial Intelligence Network Coherent

Advances in AI and large-scale data centers have created demand for faster, more energy-efficient networks with flexible configuration changes. Optical Circuit Switches (OCSs) are attracting attention as a fundamental technology for next-generation networks. This article introduces Optical Circuit Switches.

What is OCS (Optical Circuit Switch)?

An Optical Circuit Switch (OCS) is a switch that does not perform optical-electrical conversion.

Conventional network switches convert signals from optical to electrical using an optical transceiver, and then forward (switch) the signals based on the packet information of the electrical signals.

In contrast, OCS switches the optical path inside the switch, forwarding the input optical signal as is.

Image of a conventional network switch

Optical Circuit Switch

OCS market size

According to a report by Cignal AI, the OCS market is expected to grow to over $ 2.5 billion by 2029. Its main applications are AI and data centers, and many companies, including major cloud providers such as Google, are promoting the adoption of OCS.

Quote: https://cignal.ai/2025/12/optical-circuit-switching-market-to-exceed-2-5b-in-2029/

Benefits of OCS

OCS does not perform optical-electrical conversion, and therefore has the following advantages:

- Low latency and low power consumption

Because optical signals are transmitted directly, there is no delay or power consumption due to electrical conversion.

- Rate and protocol independent

Since it is independent of communication speed and protocol, it can flexibly accommodate network upgrades.

OCS main technology method

There are multiple technical methods for OCS, each with its own advantages.

- Digital Liquid Crystal method

This method uses liquid crystal elements to switch the optical path. Its main features are no mechanically moving parts, low power consumption, and low crosstalk.

- MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) method

This method uses a tiny device called MEMS to switch optical paths. Its notable features are relatively low loss and its proven track record in telecommunications equipment.

- Robotics method

This method uses a robot to physically connect and switch fibers and switch optical paths. Its main feature is low optical loss.

- Piezoelectric method

This method uses the deformation of a piezoelectric element to switch the optical path. Its main feature is its fast switching time.

- Silicon Photonics (SiPh) method

This method switches optical paths using silicon photonics, which can be mass-produced using semiconductor processes. Its main feature is its fast switching time.

Core Technology	Switch Time	Insertion Loss	Drive voltage	Crosstalk	mechanical moving parts
Digital Liquid Crystal	○	○	◎	◎	Nothing
MEMS	○	○	△	△	Yes
Robotic	△	◎	◎	◎	Yes
Piezoelectric	◎	○	○	△	Yes
SiPh	◎	△	○	△	Yes

*Comparison of major OCS technology methods

Typical use cases for OCS

- AI Cluster Network

Hyperscale AI cluster networks use OCS to reduce training time and improve throughput.

- Data center spine switch replacement

Replace spine switches with OCS to reduce power consumption, costs, and latency.

Quote: OPTICAL CIRCUIT SWITCH INTRODUCTION

Summary

Optical Circuit Switches are expected to be a network infrastructure for AI and data centers.

It has advantages such as low latency, low power consumption, and flexible configuration changes, and there are several technological methods available, including Digital Liquid Crystal, MEMS, Robotics, and Piezoelectric Silicon Photonics.

We handle products from Coherent, a company that provides Digital Liquid Crystal OCS. If you are interested, please contact us.