SoftBank and Cisco Launch Japan’s First Fully Optical Metro Network: Achieving 90% Energy Efficiency Reduction This article will focus on explaining the collaboration between SoftBank and Cisco to launch Japan’s first all-optical metro network and the si

SoftBank and Cisco Launch Japan’s First All-Optical Metro Network, Cutting Energy use by 90%

Osaka, Japan – In a landmark achievement for sustainable telecommunications, SoftBank Corp. has partnered with cisco to inaugurate Japan’s first All-Optical Metro Network. The initiative, announced in October 2025, represents a significant advancement in infrastructure technology, poised to reduce energy consumption by as much as 90% and prepare japanese cities for the escalating data requirements of the Artificial Intelligence era.

A Technological leap Forward

the core of this next-generation network is Cisco’s Routed Optical Networking architecture, a fundamental shift that does away with conventional optical-electrical-optical (O-E-O) conversions.This innovative system allows for end-to-end optical data transmission throughout metro networks, unlike traditional methods that convert light signals to electrical ones at each node – a process known to be energy-intensive.

Key components driving this transformation include:

• Cisco 8000 Series Routers: Engineered for scalability and efficiency, these routers support 400G and higher data rates with minimal power draw.
• Cisco Silicon One Q200 Chips: These custom-designed Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) deliver up to seven times the switching capacity of previous generations,while simultaneously halving power consumption.
• Segment Routing and EVPN: These advanced routing protocols streamline traffic flow,minimize latency,and simplify network operations across metro areas.

The Importance of Energy Efficiency and AI Readiness

SoftBank’s new network isn’t merely about speed; it’s a commitment to environmental sustainability. By eliminating energy-draining transponders and simplifying the network’s design, the all-optical architecture substantially cuts energy use and associated carbon emissions. This initiative directly supports SoftBank’s overarching goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,according to recent corporate sustainability reports.

The benefits extend beyond energy savings:

• Remarkable Bandwidth: Capable of handling data-intensive applications.
• Reduced Latency: Ideal for real-time services, including autonomous vehicles and smart city infrastructure.
• Simplified Operations: A converged infrastructure minimizes operational complexity.

Did You Know? According to the International Energy Agency, data centers and networks account for approximately 1% of global energy consumption, a figure projected to rise significantly with the growth of AI and 5G technologies.

Rollout Plan and Future Expansion

The initial phase of the network deployment was successfully completed in Osaka Prefecture in September 2025. SoftBank intends to expand the network nationwide by 2027,building upon the nationwide core optical network established in 2023. This metro layer will bridge the gap between core and access networks, facilitating smooth, high-speed data transmission throughout Japan’s urban centers.

Feature	Traditional networks	All-Optical Network
Energy Consumption	High (due to O-E-O conversions)	Up to 90% Lower
Latency	Higher	Lower
Complexity	More Complex	Simplified
Scalability	Limited	Highly scalable

Strengthened Partnership

This collaboration marks another milestone in the long-standing relationship between SoftBank and Cisco,who have previously worked together on multiple network modernization projects. SoftBank’s Chief Technology Officer, Keiichi Makizono, stated that this next-generation network “will not only support our increasing data demands but will also significantly contribute to our sustainability objectives.”

Kevin Wollenweber, senior Vice President and General Manager of Cisco Networking, added: “Our Routed Optical Networking solution is designed to empower customers like SoftBank to build a more scalable, efficient, and sustainable internet for the future.”

Understanding Optical Networking

Optical networking relies on transmitting data as pulses of light through fiber optic cables. It offers several advantages over traditional electrical signaling, including higher bandwidth, lower signal loss, and immunity to electromagnetic interference. The shift towards all-optical networks represents a move towards even greater efficiency and scalability in telecommunications infrastructure.

pro Tip: Investing in all-optical networks is a critical step for cities and nations looking to support the growing demands of data-intensive applications and the future of technologies like AI and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is an all-optical metro network? An all-optical metro network transmits data as light signals without converting them to electrical signals, improving efficiency.
• How much energy can this network save? The network is projected to reduce energy consumption by up to 90%.
• What technologies are key to this advancement? Cisco’s Routed Optical Networking architecture, Cisco 8000 Series Routers, and Silicon One Q200 Chips are fundamental.
• When will the network be fully deployed nationwide? SoftBank plans to complete nationwide deployment by 2027.
• What are the benefits of lower latency? Lower latency is crucial for real-time applications like autonomous vehicles and smart city technologies.
• How does this network support AI? The increased bandwidth and reduced latency enable the data processing requirements for Artificial Intelligence applications.
• What is the significance of segment routing and EVPN? These protocols optimize traffic flow and simplify network management.

What impact do you think this type of sustainable infrastructure will have on the future of urban development? How will advancements like these influence the adoption of AI technologies across various sectors?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What specific technological aspects enabled the 90% energy reduction in the SoftBank-Cisco optical metro network?

SoftBank and Cisco Revolutionize Japanese Metro Networks with 90% Energy Savings

The Dawn of All-Optical Networking in Japan

SoftBank and Cisco have jointly launched Japan’s first fully optical metro network, a landmark achievement in telecommunications infrastructure.This innovative network isn’t just about faster speeds; it’s a important leap towards lasting, energy-efficient connectivity. The core of this project lies in replacing traditional electrical components with advanced optical technology, resulting in a remarkable 90% reduction in energy consumption. This positions Japan as a leader in eco-kind network solutions and sets a new standard for urban infrastructure globally.

Understanding the Technology: How Optical Networks achieve Efficiency

Traditional metro networks rely heavily on electrical components for signal processing and switching. These components generate significant heat and require significant power.The new SoftBank-Cisco network minimizes these energy drains by:

* Optical Switching: Utilizing optical switches that manipulate light signals directly, eliminating the need for energy-intensive electrical conversions.

* Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM): Maximizing bandwidth capacity by transmitting multiple data streams over a single fiber optic cable using different wavelengths of light. This reduces the need for additional fiber infrastructure.

* Coherent Optics: Employing advanced modulation techniques to improve signal quality and transmission distance, further optimizing bandwidth and reducing power requirements.

* Reduced Footprint: Optical equipment generally requires less physical space than its electrical counterparts, leading to smaller, more efficient data centers.

This shift to an all-optical architecture fundamentally alters the energy profile of the network, drastically lowering operational costs and environmental impact. Key terms related to this technology include optical transport network (OTN), photonic integrated circuits (PICs), and silicon photonics.

Network Design and Implementation Details

The network leverages Cisco’s leading-edge optical networking solutions, integrated with SoftBank’s extensive infrastructure and expertise in Japanese telecommunications. While specific details regarding the network’s topology remain proprietary, key aspects include:

1. Metro Core: A high-capacity optical core network connecting major metropolitan areas.
2. Distributed Access: Optical access nodes extending connectivity to businesses and residential areas.
3. Automated Network Management: Elegant software-defined networking (SDN) capabilities for real-time monitoring, optimization, and automated provisioning.
4. Future-Proofing: Designed with scalability in mind, the network is prepared to accommodate future bandwidth demands and technological advancements.

The implementation involved a phased rollout, beginning with pilot deployments in key urban centers before expanding nationwide. This approach allowed for thorough testing and optimization before full-scale deployment.

Environmental Benefits and sustainability Impact

The 90% energy reduction isn’t just a number; it translates into tangible environmental benefits:

* Reduced Carbon footprint: Lower energy consumption directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to Japan’s climate goals.

* Lower Operating Costs: Significant savings on electricity bills for network operators.

* Decreased Cooling Requirements: Less heat generation means reduced reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems in data centers.

* Resource Conservation: Optimized infrastructure reduces the need for raw materials and manufacturing processes associated with traditional networks.

this initiative aligns with the growing global emphasis on green networking and sustainable IT infrastructure. The project demonstrates a commitment to responsible technology deployment and environmental stewardship.

implications for Future Urban Network Infrastructure

The SoftBank-Cisco collaboration serves as a blueprint for future urban network development.The success of this project could inspire similar deployments in other regions facing increasing bandwidth demands and sustainability challenges.

* Global Adoption: Cities worldwide are seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprints and improve energy efficiency. This network provides a proven model for achieving these goals.

* Smart City initiatives: The high-capacity, low-