IOWN and the Next Internet

We’re moving into an era of AI and advanced technologies. A better, more sustainable future is on the horizon. But there is a major roadblock preventing progress: the limitations of our communication networks and computing infrastructure. 

In fact, computing and networking have already reached a limit due to increasing power consumption, data bandwidth, and the need for faster response time due to new innovative services and the massive amount of data being transmitted.

We need a new generation of the Internet to address these obstacles – an Internet that is personal, functional, smart, inspires trust, and can be widely adopted by all. And the good news is, it’s on its way, thanks to the Innovative Optical and Wireless Networks (IOWN) initiative.

IOWN uses the power of light to connect and enable computers, devices, sensors, and networks, replacing traditional electronic connections with faster, more efficient light-based connections. 

Adopting optical technologies in this way will open the door to high-speed, large-capacity, and low-latency capabilities across devices, networks, and computing infrastructure. And it will do all of this while also significantly lowering Internet power consumption.

The first Internet wasn’t built by one company, and neither will the next Internet

This move to photonics can only happen with companies and people from around the globe coming together to collaborate and innovate. That is where the Innovative Optical Wireless Network (IOWN) Global Forum comes in.

A consortium of more than 110 companies, including NTT, Sony, Intel and other partners, the IOWN Global Forum is leading the movement from electronics to photonics-based technology ecosystems.

This industry collaboration will result in new standards, as well as use cases that will be tested to ensure we achieve the full benefits of IOWN technologies. 

What IOWN can deliver

The move to photonics and optical technology has many potential benefits. Let’s look at just a few examples:

• Health and well-being: Because IOWN offers low latency and high security, it promises to transform healthcare delivery. For instance, it can enable real-time bio-digital twins, which would allow for faster prediction and prevention of medical conditions. IOWN can also allow for the application of AI and data analytics to support personalized drug development. 

• Security: Optical technologies will enable safety and security applications such as emergency services, real-time crowd monitoring, and support for autonomous vehicles to reduce accidents and congestion. IOWN can also allow for cryptographic communications, which helps to protect against cyber threats and offers digital security.

IOWN technologies will transform the world, across industries ranging from education to transportation to sports and entertainment, and more. Ultimately, IOWN has the potential to improve speed, innovation, productivity, and decision-making because it enables instant data transfer. The use of optical technology also boosts energy efficiency and reduces power consumption, cutting carbon emissions and costs and supporting environmental sustainability.

The future Internet will be greener, safer, and faster, enabling innovation and sustainability through the power of light.

For more information about the benefits of IOWN, you can learn more here. Read an in-depth report about IOWN here.