Close Menu
    Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram X (Twitter)
    Blue Tech Wave Media
    Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram X (Twitter)
    • Home
    • Leadership Alliance
    • Exclusives
    • Internet Governance
      • Regulation
      • Governance Bodies
      • Emerging Tech
    • IT Infrastructure
      • Networking
      • Cloud
      • Data Centres
    • Company Stories
      • Profiles
      • Startups
      • Tech Titans
      • Partner Content
    • Others
      • Fintech
        • Blockchain
        • Payments
        • Regulation
      • Tech Trends
        • AI
        • AR/VR
        • IoT
      • Video / Podcast
    Blue Tech Wave Media
    Home » IBM unveils optical module to speed up AI training in data centres
    IBM
    IBM
    Data Centres

    IBM unveils optical module to speed up AI training in data centres

    By Tanee ShaoDecember 11, 2024No Comments2 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
    • IBM has introduced a co-packaged optical module that uses polymer optical waveguide technology to enhance data centre bandwidth and speed up AI training.
    • The module could boost bandwidth between chips by up to 80 times and reduce data centre energy use by 80%, improving AI processing efficiency.

    What happened: IBM researchers introduce new optical module

    IBM researchers have unveiled a new co-packaged optical (CPO) module that could revolutionise AI training by enabling fibre optic-level speeds in data centres. The module uses polymer optical waveguide (PWG) technology to provide high-speed optical connectivity, significantly increasing data centre bandwidth. The innovation aims to reduce GPU downtime and accelerate AI processing speeds. IBM’s Dario Gil, SVP and director of research, explained, “As generative AI demands more energy and processing power, co-packaged optics can future-proof data centres.”

    Unlike traditional data centres, which rely on copper-based electrical wires inside racks, IBM’s module applies optics directly to these racks, potentially boosting bandwidth between chips by up to 80 times compared to electrical connections. The new technology could also allow AI hardware makers to add six times as many optical fibres to silicon photonics chips, enabling faster, more energy-efficient data transmission. This breakthrough could cut energy use in data centres by up to 80% and speed up AI model training, ushering in a new era of sustainable, high-speed communication.

    Also read: IBM reports growth in AI bookings, beating earnings estimates
    Also read: Discovering the power of fibre optic networks

    Why it is important

    This innovation is crucial as it addresses the growing demands of AI, particularly in data centres. By enabling fibre optic speeds, IBM’s new co-packaged optical (CPO) module enhances data centre bandwidth and reduces GPU downtime. Unlike traditional copper-based connections, the module uses polymer optical waveguide (PWG) technology to offer faster, more energy-efficient data transmission.

    The ability to boost bandwidth between chips by up to 80 times could significantly accelerate AI processing speeds. Additionally, this technology could reduce energy consumption in data centres by up to 80%, making operations more sustainable. With generative AI requiring more power and efficiency, IBM’s solution future-proofs data centres, ensuring they can handle the increasing demands of AI workloads.

    Overall, the breakthrough could not only improve AI model training speeds but also promote responsible, high-speed communication, paving the way for faster, more sustainable AI advancements.

    AI CPO fibre optic networks IBM
    Tanee Shao

    Tanee Shao is an intern reporter at BTW Media, having studied at Kings College of London. She specialises in fintech. Contact her at t.shao@btw.media.

    Related Posts

    Nvidia plans Israel AI hub expansion project

    July 8, 2025

    Datum’s MCR2 delivers Next-Gen data capacity in Manchester

    July 7, 2025

    Temasek Polytechnic: Shaping future innovators

    July 7, 2025
    Add A Comment
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    CATEGORIES
    Archives
    • July 2025
    • June 2025
    • May 2025
    • April 2025
    • March 2025
    • February 2025
    • January 2025
    • December 2024
    • November 2024
    • October 2024
    • September 2024
    • August 2024
    • July 2024
    • June 2024
    • May 2024
    • April 2024
    • March 2024
    • February 2024
    • January 2024
    • December 2023
    • November 2023
    • October 2023
    • September 2023
    • August 2023
    • July 2023

    Blue Tech Wave (BTW.Media) is a future-facing tech media brand delivering sharp insights, trendspotting, and bold storytelling across digital, social, and video. We translate complexity into clarity—so you’re always ahead of the curve.

    BTW
    • About BTW
    • Contact Us
    • Join Our Team
    TERMS
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Use
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.