Oriole Networks Unveils PRISM: Revolutionizing AI Training and Inference with the World’s First Full-Photonic Network
In a groundbreaking move, Oriole Networks, a London-based photonic systems start-up, has introduced PRISM (Photonic Routing Infrastructure for Scalable Models)—the world’s first pure photonic switched network designed to transform data centers, high-performance computing (HPC), and distributed deep learning (DDL) workloads. This innovative solution eliminates traditional electrical packet switches and associated hardware, addressing critical bottlenecks that have long hindered the growth of AI training and inference.
The Challenge: Network Bottlenecks in AI Systems
Despite significant advancements in compute hardware, real-world AI performance often falls short of its theoretical peak. The culprit? Network bottlenecks. These constraints arise from memory limitations and inefficient data transfer mechanisms, which prevent GPUs and other accelerators from operating at their full potential. Traditional networks struggle to keep up with the massive data demands of AI workloads, leading to sluggish performance and underutilized resources.
PRISM resolves these issues by offering a full-stack, all-optical fabric that connects xPUs (GPUs, TPUs, and other accelerators) at scale with unprecedented speed and simplicity. By eliminating electrical components and leveraging advanced photonic technology, PRISM delivers higher throughput, lower latency, and reduced power consumption, paving the way for next-generation AI infrastructure.
Key Features of PRISM: Redefining AI Networking
PRISM is not just another networking solution—it’s a game-changer designed to meet the unique demands of AI workloads. Here’s how it stands out:
1. Handles Any Traffic
PRISM combines nanosecond-level switching with network control across time, wavelength, and space. This enables rapid circuit configuration, allowing both large and small data transfers to occur seamlessly. Whether you’re transferring terabytes or kilobytes, PRISM ensures efficient optical data bursts, maximizing performance.
2. True All-to-All Connectivity
One of PRISM’s standout features is its ability to provide port-level all-to-all communication. Every endpoint can connect directly to any other endpoint without intermediary hops, ensuring maximum flexibility and efficiency in data routing.
3. Low Power and Temperature
Unlike conventional networks, PRISM uses entirely passive interconnects and switches, meaning no power dissipation or cooling requirements. This results in a cleaner, more energy-efficient network core while simplifying maintenance and reducing operational costs.
4. Resilient and Reliable by Design
PRISM eliminates single points of failure by providing multiple paths between nodes. Even if part of the network fails, communication continues uninterrupted, ensuring consistent performance and reliability.
5. Built to Scale
PRISM supports systems with up to one million endpoints, maintaining a 1-hop diameter even at maximum scale. This makes it ideal for handling increasingly complex and distributed AI workloads, from large-scale training models to real-time inference applications.
6. Optimized for AI Workloads
PRISM incorporates purpose-built algorithms tailored for optical circuit-switched networks. These algorithms enable schedule-less, contention-free data transfers, completing operations in just a few steps—even at scale. As a result, GPUs remain fully utilized without stalling due to communication delays.
The PRISM Ecosystem: A Full-Stack Solution
PRISM isn’t just a piece of hardware; it’s a comprehensive ecosystem designed to integrate seamlessly into existing AI infrastructures. Its components include:
Software Stack
The software stack includes xCCL plugins and PCIe drivers that replace the default transport layer used by collective communication libraries. This integration ensures smooth compatibility with popular AI frameworks and tools.
High-Performance Network Interface Card (NIC)
PRISM’s NIC delivers an impressive 800 Gbps of bandwidth in a compact form factor, making it suitable for most standard servers. This high-speed interface bridges the gap between computational resources and the photonic network.
XTR – Integrated Photonic Switch and Transceiver
The XTR handles wavelength and route selection dynamically, enabling connectivity to as many as one million nodes from a single interface. Its adaptability ensures optimal performance across diverse workloads.
Photonic Router
A modular, passive optical router forms the backbone of PRISM’s architecture. It operates without power and supports dual-path resilience, accommodating both top-of-rack and central deployments.
Why PRISM Matters for the Future of AI
AI is evolving rapidly, with models growing larger and more complex by the day. However, traditional networking solutions simply cannot keep pace with these advancements. PRISM addresses this gap by delivering a network that matches the speed and scalability required for modern AI workloads.
By combining higher throughput, lower deterministic latency, and reduced power consumption, PRISM provides a solid foundation for the next generation of high-performance data centers. Its ability to handle systems with millions of endpoints ensures that organizations can scale their AI infrastructure without compromising performance or efficiency.
Moreover, PRISM’s energy-efficient design aligns with global efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of data centers. With sustainability becoming a key priority for tech companies, PRISM offers a forward-thinking solution that balances performance with environmental responsibility.
Unlocking Next-Gen AI Training and Inference
With PRISM, Oriole Networks has achieved what was once thought impossible—a pure photonic network capable of supporting the demands of AI training and inference at scale. By eliminating electrical bottlenecks and introducing a streamlined, all-optical architecture, PRISM sets a new standard for AI networking.
As industries continue to embrace AI-driven innovation, PRISM will play a pivotal role in unlocking the full potential of distributed AI systems. From accelerating model training to enabling real-time inference, this revolutionary technology promises to reshape the landscape of artificial intelligence.
For organizations seeking to future-proof their AI infrastructure, PRISM represents a bold step toward a faster, more efficient, and scalable future. Welcome to the era of photonic-powered AI—where the possibilities are limitless.
About Oriole Networks
Accelerating AI in a Low-Carbon World – Oriole Networks is a photonic networking company, developing disruptive technologies for AI/ML and HPC networking that will revolutionize data centers. These technologies address AI’s biggest challenges – speed, latency, and sustainability. Our holistic approach replaces energy-hungry electrical switching with photonic switching. By using only light to move data in the network, our solution will increase the efficiency of LLM training and inference to unprecedented levels while dramatically reducing the energy consumption of data centers, currently putting a huge strain on energy grids in the US and Europe. We can offer faster, more efficient, and more sustainable AI without sacrificing the planet.
