Cisco unveils open silicon, optics for AI-scale networks at OCP Summit
Cisco Systems introduced new open silicon and optical networking systems at the Open Compute Project Global Summit, targeting the surge in AI workloads. The move, announced during a keynote at the event, pairs custom programmable silicon with repluggable optics to expand capacity for data-hungry AI clusters.
While the company did not disclose pricing or availability, the designs are positioned alongside solutions from other vendors, including Nvidia’s networking division and Arista, which last week announced an Ethernet-based backplane for AI racks.
Recent funding rounds have highlighted interest in optical interconnects, with CScale raising $145 million in a Series C round led by Nvidia and Intel Capital on October 1, and PicoJool securing $27.5 million in late September. Cisco’s announcement adds another option in a space where multiple approaches are emerging.
How these systems will compete—or coexist—with existing offerings remains to be seen. AI workloads may favor different architectures depending on integration, scalability, and software support. For now, Cisco’s entry expands the range of choices for infrastructure builders.
Sources: siliconangle.com
“Cisco’s new silicon and optics could offer an alternative to existing AI networking solutions, though adoption will depend on performance and ecosystem support.”
Read the original reporting
The outlets below did the original reporting.
Related briefs
This brief was drafted automatically from the sources above and published under our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Tell us.