Proven MEMS-based technology optimized for high reliability, performance, and increased AI data center scalability
Lumentum Holdings Inc., a global leader in optical and photonic solutions for cloud and networking applications, has announced that its groundbreaking R300 optical circuit switch (OCS) is now sampling with multiple hyperscale customers. Designed as a high-performance 300×300 port solution, the R300 is set to become widely available in the second half of 2025. This innovative product is poised to revolutionize artificial intelligence (AI) clusters and intra-data-center networks by enhancing scalability, efficiency, and overall performance. Lumentum will feature the R300 at the 2025 Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibition (OFC) in San Francisco, CA, from April 1-3, at Booth #2119.
“Lumentum has a long-standing track record of optical innovation and deep expertise in MEMS optical switching technology that provides a distinct advantage in delivering a high-quality OCS product for AI infrastructure,” said Wupen Yuen, Lumentum president of Cloud and Networking. “Feedback from customers has been very positive, due to its ability to improve network reliability and performance, including substantial reductions in data center network power consumption. This product adds to our broad portfolio of innovative photonic solutions that increase AI data center scalability.”
Built on decades of engineering expertise, Lumentum’s OCS utilizes advanced micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology, which has been extensively deployed in high-performance telecom applications. With a track record of over 1 trillion field mirror operating hours and a portfolio backed by hundreds of patents, the OCS is designed to deliver unmatched reliability and efficiency.
As hyperscale AI infrastructure continues to expand to meet increasing demands, optical switching has emerged as a more power-efficient, cost-effective, and reliable alternative to traditional Ethernet-based network architectures. According to Lumentum’s estimates, integrating its OCS into AI data center networks can reduce overall power consumption by 65% or more in large-scale GPU deployments (100K-scale) compared to InfiniBand or Ethernet solutions. Industry research from Cignal AI projects that the OCS market will exceed $1 billion by 2028, driven by advancements in AI and cloud networking.
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“As multiple hyperscale operators and AI hardware vendors now dedicate significant resources to improving the scaling of AI systems, OCS components are becoming a critical technology for success,” said Scott Wilkinson, lead analyst at Cignal AI. “These operators and vendors will adopt the technology on different timelines, and they will ultimately drive the widespread adoption of OCS as a superior alternative to electrical switching in certain parts of the network.”
Key Advantages of the Lumentum OCS
- Significant Power Efficiency – Drastically reduces energy consumption compared to conventional Ethernet-based infrastructures.
- Ultra-Low Latency – Eliminates optical-electrical-optical (OEO) conversion, cutting latency by 5X to 10X versus Ethernet switching.
- Future-Proof Ultra-Wideband Support – Unlike liquid crystal-based switches, MEMS technology seamlessly operates across O, C, and L optical bands, ensuring adaptability to next-generation transmission technologies.
- Superior Signal Integrity – Features low insertion and return loss, minimal polarization-dependent loss (PDL), and polarization mode dispersion (PMD) for top-tier optical performance.
- Exceptional Stability – Lumentum’s proprietary MEMS design removes the need for closed-loop control, reducing system complexity and eliminating dither noise that can impact signal integrity.
- Enhanced Reliability and Availability – A modular structure with redundant power supplies, fans, and easily replaceable control electronics ensures minimal downtime and robust operational stability.
With the launch of the R300, Lumentum continues to set new benchmarks in optical innovation, delivering high-performance, energy-efficient solutions that address the evolving needs of AI and data center networks.
