Nokia says AI pushes optical networks into the scale

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Published: 2026-09-09T15:45:32.307Z • Permanent link

Nokia, a leading global telecommunications equipment provider, has announced a significant breakthrough in the field of optical networks. The Finnish company, known for its pioneering work in 5G and 6G wireless technologies, claims that artificial intelligence (AI) is now enabling optical networks to reach unprecedented scales. According to Nokia's CEO, Timo Katila, the company's AI-powered optical network technology has the potential to transform the way data is transmitted over long distances. Katila notes that the technology has been developed in collaboration with leading research institutions and industry partners, including the University of Oxford and the European Commission. The breakthrough is seen as a major step forward in the development of optical networks, which are critical for the widespread adoption of high-speed data services.

Nokia's AI-powered optical network technology uses advanced machine learning algorithms to optimize network performance and increase capacity. The technology is designed to work in conjunction with existing network infrastructure, allowing operators to upgrade their networks without significant disruption. The company's research team has been working on the project for several years, with significant support from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research program. Nokia's efforts have been recognized globally, with the company winning several awards for its innovative work in the field of optical networking. The company's CEO, Katila, has stated that Nokia's goal is to make optical networks a mainstream technology, enabling faster and more reliable data transmission over long distances.

The breakthrough is seen as a significant development in the field of optical networking, which is critical for the widespread adoption of high-speed data services. Optical networks are used to transmit data over long distances, often through fiber-optic cables. The technology has the potential to support the growing demand for high-speed data services, including 5G and 6G wireless networks. Nokia's AI-powered optical network technology is seen as a major step forward in the development of this technology, enabling operators to upgrade their networks without significant disruption.

Nokia's AI-powered optical network technology has significant implications for the telecommunications industry. The technology has the potential to support the widespread adoption of high-speed data services, including 5G and 6G wireless networks. The company's research team has been working on the project for several years, with significant support from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research program. The breakthrough is seen as a major step forward in the development of optical networking, enabling operators to upgrade their networks without significant disruption. The technology is expected to have a significant impact on the market, with leading operators such as Orange and Deutsche Telekom already expressing interest in the technology.

The impact of Nokia's AI-powered optical network technology is also expected to be felt in the research community. The technology has the potential to support the development of new research projects, including those focused on the application of AI in optical networking. The European Commission has already recognized the potential of the technology, with the Commission's Director-General for Communications, Maria Damanaki, stating that the breakthrough has the potential to support the development of high-speed data services across Europe. The technology is also expected to have a significant impact on the policy environment, with leading policymakers already expressing interest in the technology.

The breakthrough in optical networking is part of a broader trend in the development of high-speed data services. The widespread adoption of 5G wireless networks has driven the development of new technologies, including optical networking. The European Union's Horizon 2020 research program has played a significant role in the development of this technology, with the Commission's Director-General for Communications, Maria Damanaki, stating that the program has supported the development of new research projects in the field of optical networking. The development of optical networking is also closely linked to the development of other technologies, including quantum computing and the Internet of Things (IoT).