Fujitsu has exciting news for tech enthusiasts and industry experts alike! The company is set to establish an Open All-Photonics Network (APN) Lab in Düsseldorf, Germany from November 2024 to March 2025. This initiative aims to promote the global expansion of the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) and make APNs more accessible to a wider audience.
What can visitors expect at the Open APN Lab? They will have the opportunity to experience the benefits of Open APN technology firsthand, showcasing its ease of operation and versatility. Network carriers, data center operators, and vendors can utilize the lab to verify APN functionality and ensure multi-vendor connectivity.
Open APNs offer seamless integration of multi-vendor products and solutions with high capacity, low latency, and low power consumption. The upcoming launch of a new IOWN service in Japan in fiscal 2025 indicates the increasing prevalence of APNs in the telecommunications landscape.
Fujitsu’s commitment to open sourcing network technologies, including mobile networks, is exemplified through the establishment of the Open APN Lab. The company aims to drive awareness and adoption of open APN technology, promoting a sustainable society through energy-efficient, high-capacity solutions.
Background
The demand for larger optical data transmission capacities is on the rise with the proliferation of AI, big data processing, and 5G technologies worldwide. Network carriers and data center operators are seeking ways to reduce power consumption, particularly in Europe where energy costs are escalating. Düsseldorf’s strategic location, with easy access to major European cities, makes it an ideal site for the Open APN Lab.
The lab will provide companies with hands-on experience using Fujitsu’s APNs and understanding their advantages, while also gaining insights into future network services through APN use cases. This initiative is part of a larger contract from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) to facilitate the overseas deployment of APNs in Europe.
Future Plans
Following the closure of the lab in March 2025, Fujitsu intends to conduct field trials and expand its APN labs globally, including in North America. Stay tuned for more innovations and advancements in the world of Open APNs!
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