UTStarcom unveils optical circuit switching prototypes for AI data centers

UTStarcom showcased concept prototypes of an optical circuit switching platform for AI data centers at CIOE 2026. The hybrid architecture targets lower latency and packet loss in AI clusters by shifting heavy traffic to reconfigurable all-optical paths. The company positioned the technology as a route to lower power use, cooling demand, rack footprint, and optical transceiver requirements. Prototypes include 64x64-radix silicon photonics and MEMS-based systems, supported by SONiC-based software with an SDN controller for automation. Management framed the event as validation of customer