Lumentum R300 optical circuit switch targets AI data center scalability

Lumentum Holdings Inc. announced the sampling of its R300 Optical Circuit Switch (OCS) designated for enhancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) data center scalability. The product features 300x300 port connectivity and is set for General Availability (GA) in the second half of 2025 after trials with multiple hyperscale customers. The R300 OCS is engineered for increased performance and efficiency in AI clusters and intra-data-center networks. Early feedback indicates improvements in network reliability and a reduction in power consumption for Data Center Operations (DCO). Lumentum anticipates that the OCS could lower overall AI data center network power consumption by at least 65% in large-scale Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) deployments when compared to traditional Ethernet solutions. The company will present the R300 at the Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibition in San Francisco from April 1-3, 2025. Lumentum's OCS utilizes micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology, backed by extensive engineering experience and a large patent portfolio, to deliver operational reliability and performance. Hyperscalers are increasingly recognizing optical switching as a viable alternative to conventional Ethernet architectures to effectively address growing AI infrastructure demands. Analysts project the OCS market to exceed $1 billion by 2028, propelled by advancements in AI and cloud networking.