SoftBank Corp., a multinational investment holding company based in Tokyo, Japan, is partnering with the Japan-based leg of the networking-infrastructure conglomerate Cisco Systems, Cisco Systems G.K., to begin integration of its all-optical network in Japan’s metro network. The switch to all optical will eliminate the need for optical-electrical conversion, which will lead to a projected 90% reduction in energy consumption. SoftBank says the deployment of the all-optical network nationwide should be completed by 2027.

“Partnering with Cisco to deploy the all-optical network across Japan's metro networks represents a major step forward in building a sustainable and future-ready communication infrastructure,” says Teruyuki Oya, Vice President, Head of Mobile and Network Division, Technology Unit, SoftBank. “In response to the growing data demands driven by AI and next-generation technologies, we are delivering a highly scalable, high-capacity network.”

Going all optical

Softbank deployed the all-optical network in core networks nationwide in Japan in 2023. The expansion of this initiative to metro networks will connect base stations, AI services and additional user-proximate points to the core network. The company completed the initial phase of the expansion in the Osaka Prefecture in September of this year.

The SoftBank network will leverage Cisco’s latest routers, which support 400GbE, with a simplified architecture that the company says is optimized for metro networks.

The SoftBank network will leverage Cisco’s latest routers, which support 400GbE, with a simplified architecture that the company says is optimized for metro networks. The all-optical network used for the metro networks uses Cisco’s new QSFD-DD pluggable open line system, which is a palm-sized optical amplifier module that can be installed directly onto routers.

Toward sustainability

Additionally, the routers are equipped with Cisco 400G coherent optical transceivers OpenZR+, allowing them to achieve long-distance, high-capacity optical transmission. The all-optical network is also energy efficient and scalable because of the integration of IP technology, like Segment Routing IPv6, which enables large-scale and flexible route control—typically a challenge for such networks.

“Working with SoftBank to launch the all-optical network in metro networks highlights our shared vision of creating a resilient, energy-efficient network infrastructure,” says Vish Iyer, President of APJ Service Provider, Cisco. “By combining our strengths, we are helping to build a more efficient connected future that benefits both businesses and citizens across the country.”