Development of NTT’s IOWN Next-Generation Communications Platform: A Game-Changer in Technology

NTT Develops IOWN Technology for One-Year Smartphone Battery Life

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. (NTT) is making significant strides in the development of its Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) platform, with the goal of creating technologies that could potentially allow smartphones to operate on a single charge for an entire year.

IOWN is a cutting-edge communications system that utilizes optical signals throughout the data transmission process, eliminating the need for converting signals between optical and electric forms. This innovation, built around photonic technology, is expected to work hand in hand with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) systems while also reducing environmental hazards associated with AI.

Currently in the initial stages of development, IOWN aims to overcome the power consumption and latency issues present in existing optical communication systems. By utilizing photonics-electronics convergence technology, data can be transmitted in optical form throughout the process, significantly reducing delays to only one-200th of the time taken by traditional optical communication platforms.

A recent demonstration of IOWN technology showcased its capabilities at an NTT facility in Musashino, Tokyo. Live footage from a remote camera in Taiwan was seamlessly transmitted with minimal time delay, highlighting the efficiency of the network. Trial runs between Japan and Taiwan showed a remarkable improvement in latency, with a data transmission speed of 12.5 gigabytes per second resulting in a mere 17-millisecond time lag each way.

NTT plans to leverage the IOWN-based network to provide data backup services to businesses in Japan and Taiwan, ensuring continuity during disasters. The technology also opens up possibilities for remote surgeries, virtual concerts, and lightning-fast data downloads, with the potential to revolutionize various industries.

With the telecommunications ministry aiming to introduce an all-photonics network incorporating the IOWN concept by 2030, Japanese businesses are looking to bridge the gap in the global 5G market and prepare for the future of 6G technology. The development of IOWN holds promise for transmitting vast amounts of data with minimal latency and reduced power consumption, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable digital future.