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Ethernet switch architectures, CPX, NPO, high-density low-power interconnect standards and the evolution of coherent pluggables for scale-across applications. The day closes with the “Realistic Check of AI Interconnect Scaling Solutions for the Post-1.6T Era” panel, moderated by Frank Chang of Source Photonics. Bringing together experts from Cignal AI, Arista, Oracle, NVIDIA, Coherent and TeraHop, the panel will tackle the practical realities of scaling AI interconnects beyond 1.6T and debate which technologies and architectures are most likely to succeed as AI infrastructure continues to expand. WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER – NETWORKING, SYSTEMS & SERVICE PROVIDERS The final day of Market Focus moves from components and modules to the wider network, exploring how optical networking is evolving to support distributed AI, hyperscale infrastructure and new connectivity requirements. Morning sessions cover carrier-grade optical networks, satellite ground- station connectivity, 448Gbps electrical signalling, AI optical interconnect standards, network management and the future of coherent optics.
The morning culminates in “The Ethernet Evolution of AI”, a panel organised by the Ethernet Alliance, bringing together experts to discuss the move towards ultra-high-radix architectures, 400Gbps electrical and optical signalling, and the next generation of Ethernet for AI networks. Wednesday afternoon continues with a broad look at the deployment of optical infrastructure for the AI era. Topics include hollow-core fibre, AI agent networking, end-to-end optical
connectivity, multi-data-centre compute, European service-provider opportunities and network reliability. The programme also looks beyond traditional connectivity, exploring network sensing, the growing importance of talent and skills, and how existing optical infrastructure can deliver new capabilities. Together, the final sessions provide a wide-ranging look at the technologies, networks and people needed to turn the promise of AI-driven connectivity into operational reality.
MEET THE MARKET FOCUS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Committee Chair Michael Lebby Industry Expert
Frank Chang Source Photonics
Wladek Forysiak University of Bristol
Pierpaolo Ghiggino Industry Consultant
Daryl Inniss Industry Consultant
Karen Liu Ciena
Dr Guangcan Mi Huawei
Dr Jiangwei Man Huawei
Dr Stephan Neidlinger Adtran
Tiger Ninomiya Amphenol
Loukas Paraschis Industry Consultant
Sanjay Parthasarathi Coherent
Scan to view the full timetable online or browse the sessions on the Exhibition App
Dr Abdul Rahim PhotonDelta
Bill Ring C2Laser
Mark Watts Verizon Communications
Werner Weiershausen Deutsche Telekom
www.opticalconnectionsnews.com
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ISSUE 44 | Q3 2026
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