Japan-based ACCESS has secured a contract from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) for the “Research Project on Development of All-Photonics Network Technologies in Overseas AI Data Centers.”
The project, assisted by ACCESS’ US subsidiary IP Infusion, is intended to explore the application of advanced optical network architecture in the rapidly expanding AI-driven data centre market.
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ACCESS and IP Infusion will focus on assessing the potential of all-photonics networks (APNs) in three main scenarios as part of the project.
These are external connections for AI data centres, internal interconnection within these facilities, and distributed AI data centre solutions.
An APN uses end-to-end optical communication paths, transmitting and routing data without engaging high-power-consuming electronic processes, a model which aims to provide large bandwidth and low latency.
The research is positioned within the broader context of MIC’s ‘Comprehensive Strategy for Digital Overseas Expansion 2030’, which highlights APNs as a fundamental element for supporting AI infrastructure.
The ministry’s strategy, announced in June 2025, targets a top-three global market share for Japanese companies in the high-end optical transmission equipment sector by around 2030.
Current market conditions are characterised by rapid investment in AI data centres worldwide, largely driven by the demand for generative AI and cloud services.
The supply of AI data centre communications equipment is dominated by a small number of providers, particularly those linked to specific graphics processing unit (GPU) manufacturers.
This situation makes it challenging for Japanese firms with optical transmission technology expertise to expand beyond less lucrative roles such as providing optical cables or site infrastructure.
Through this contract, ACCESS and IP Infusion plan to encourage the adoption of open network operating systems and wider integration of APNs within AI data centres.
The companies intend to reduce dependency on particular vendors, broaden supply chain options, and support a more open, interoperable networking ecosystem.
