ION-2030: Enabling the intelligent optical network era
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has released a new framework to guide the evolution of global optical connectivity in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
The framework – International Optical Networks towards 2030 and Beyond (ION-2030) – was developed by ITU-T Study Group 15, the expert group responsible for standards on networks, technologies, and infrastructures for transport, access, and home.
ION-2030 sets out a strategic vision for how optical networks should evolve to meet the demands of 6G mobile networks (IMT-2030), AI, data centres, broadband access, home networking, and integrated sensing and communication (ISAC).
The framework emphasizes the mutual empowerment of AI and optical networking, positioning both as drivers of the next wave of digital transformation.
Mutual empowerment of AI and optical connectivity
AI technologies are reshaping how optical networks are designed, managed, and optimized. Using digital twins, multimodal learning, and autonomous control, AI-enabled operations can enhance network reliability, reduce energy use, and anticipate service needs.
Conversely, optical networks enable AI by providing the high-capacity, low-latency, and deterministic connectivity needed for distributed AI training, real-time inference, and data exchange between cloud and edge. ION-2030 captures this two-way relationship – recognizing optical infrastructure as part of the foundation of the global AI ecosystem.
Key capabilities and architecture
The ION-2030 framework envisions a service-oriented architecture combining high performance with intelligence and sustainability. It highlights four principal advances:
- Terabit-per-second connectivity and sub-millisecond latency to support emerging digital services.
- Integrated sensing, computing, and AI agents within optical layers for real-time awareness and automation.
- Energy-efficient and quantum-resilient designs to ensure long-term security and sustainability.
- End-to-end service optimization across multiple network domains and layers.
Ongoing works on application-specific technical supplements – such as GSTR.ION-aiDC (for data centres), G.sup.ION-aiBB (for broadband access), and G.sup.ION-aiHome (for home networking) – will extend the ION-2030 framework to different application environments.
Standards collaboration
ION-2030 promotes cross-sector collaboration both within ITU and with other standards bodies, including the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), Broadband Forum, European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), and Optical Internetworking Forum (IOIF). It also supports joint efforts with ITU’s Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) and ITU-T Study Group 13 (Future networks) to align optical transport with evolving IMT-2030 and future network architectures.
This coordinated approach ensures that the optical layer – the backbone of the digital world – continues to evolve in step with the needs of AI, cloud, and ubiquitous broadband.
Towards sustainable, intelligent connectivity
ION-2030 contributes directly to sustainable digital infrastructure by combining intelligence, energy awareness, and interoperability. Its principles support sustainable social and economic development through enhanced efficiency, reduced operational costs, and inclusive access to digital services.
“ION-2030 represents a holistic vision for the optical networks of the future,” said the ITU-T Study Group15 Chair Glenn Parsons. “It integrates industry demands including for IMT, AI and sensing into a unified framework that can support humanity’s growing digital and sustainable aspirations.”
Learn more
ION-2030 (GSTR.ION-2030) complements ongoing work in ITU-T Study Group 15 on transport network evolution and digital transformation.
Latest updates on the group’s foundational standards work:
For more expert views, see the group’s latest playlist.
Header image credit: Adobe Stock/AI generated
