Breakthrough in Data Transmission: Keysight, NTT, and Lumentum Achieve 448 Gbps for AI Data Centers
The race to meet the escalating bandwidth demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications has reached a new milestone. Keysight Technologies, Inc., NTT Innovative Devices Corporation, and Lumentum Holdings Inc. have announced a groundbreaking joint demonstration of 448 Gbps data transmission using 224 GBaud PAM4 optical technology at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC) 2025. This achievement paves the way for next-generation 3.2 terabit (Tbps) optical interfaces, optimized for ultra-fast data processing in AI-driven data centers.
This collaboration addresses the growing need for scalable, energy-efficient, and high-speed networking solutions that can power the next wave of AI and ML advancements. By enabling the development of power-efficient 3.2T interfaces, the trio is setting a new benchmark for data center performance, reducing operational costs, and minimizing environmental impact.
Why 448 Gbps Matters for AI and ML Applications
AI and ML workloads demand real-time data processing at unprecedented speeds. As these models grow in complexity, the need for higher data throughput becomes critical to prevent bottlenecks and ensure seamless scalability. The 448 Gbps transmission speed accelerates data movement between compute and network nodes, significantly reducing latency and enhancing the efficiency of AI/ML model training and inference processes.
This breakthrough not only improves data center scalability but also enhances energy efficiency. With rising energy consumption being a major concern for hyperscale data centers, the ability to transmit data faster while consuming less power is a game-changer. This innovation aligns with global efforts to create greener, more sustainable data infrastructure.
How the Demonstration Works
The successful demonstration leverages cutting-edge technologies from all three companies:
- Keysight’s M8199B Arbitrary Waveform Generator: Known as the industry’s fastest AWG, it operates at 256 GSa/s with an analog bandwidth exceeding 80 GHz. This device generates ultra-high-speed electrical signals essential for testing next-generation optical systems.
- NTT’s Frequency-Domain Interleaver: Available as Keysight M8159A, this technology extends the bandwidth of the M8199B AWG, enabling the generation of 448 Gbps electrical signals at 224 Gbaud PAM4.
- Lumentum’s Indium Phosphide (InP) Externally-Modulated Laser (EML): This high-bandwidth laser drives the optical signal, showcasing the potential for power-efficient, high-speed optical interconnects.
The demonstration successfully generated 240 Gbaud PAM4 signals using the same hardware, further highlighting the scalability of the solution. This achievement represents a significant leap forward in achieving higher data rates and improved signal integrity, laying the foundation for future 3.2T interfaces.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
The collaboration has been praised by executives from all three companies, underscoring its significance for the future of AI infrastructure.
Dr. Akimasa Kaneko, Executive Vice President of Photonic Component Business Group at NTT Innovative Devices, stated: “This collaboration is a crucial step in advancing next-generation high-speed optical communications and AI infrastructure. We’ve prepared the fundamental technologies necessary to realize 400G/lane in a timely manner, helping to drive further industry development.”
Dr. Matthew Sysak, Chief Technology Officer, Cloud and Networking Platform at Lumentum, added: “Achieving 448 Gbps transmission is a major milestone in advancing optical interconnects for AI-driven cloud infrastructure. Our high-performance externally modulated lasers will play a key role in enabling faster, more efficient, and scalable data center networks.”
Dr. Joachim Peerlings, Vice President of Network and Data Center Solutions at Keysight Technologies, emphasized: “This demonstration showcases the combined strengths of Keysight, NTT Innovative Devices, and Lumentum. It lays the foundation for future innovations in high-speed optical communication and AI infrastructure.”
The Road Ahead: Powering Next-Gen Data Centers
The 448 Gbps demonstration is more than just a technical achievement—it’s a glimpse into the future of data center networking. By enabling 3.2T interfaces, this technology will allow data centers to handle exponentially larger datasets while maintaining energy efficiency and reducing latency.
This breakthrough is part of Keysight’s broader Artificial Intelligence (KAI) architecture, a portfolio of end-to-end solutions designed to help customers scale AI processing capacity in data centers. The KAI architecture includes tools like the Keysight M8199B Arbitrary Waveform Generator and Keysight N1032A/B DCA-X Sampling Oscilloscopes, which are instrumental in advancing high-speed optical communication research and development.
Experience the Future at OFC 2025
The 448 Gbps joint demonstration will be showcased for the first time at booth #1301 during OFC 2025, held from April 1-3 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness firsthand how this collaboration is shaping the future of AI and ML infrastructure.
As data centers continue to evolve to meet the demands of AI and ML applications, partnerships like this one between Keysight, NTT Innovative Devices, and Lumentum will play a pivotal role in driving innovation. By pushing the boundaries of high-speed data transmission, they are setting new standards for scalability, efficiency, and performance in the digital age.
For enterprises looking to stay ahead in the era of AI, this breakthrough underscores the importance of investing in cutting-edge optical technologies. With 448 Gbps now a reality, the path to 3.2T interfaces—and beyond—is clearer than ever.
About Keysight Technologies
At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product lifecycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.
