Assessing Photoelectric Fusion Technologies: Market Potential and Strategic Insights from NTT's IOWN Case

Abstract

This thesis investigates the rapid evolution of technology in response to surging internet traffic, projected to increase from 33 zettabytes in 2018 to 175 zettabytes by 2025, and data processing demands, anticipated to exceed 180 zettabytes by the same year. The escalating requirements for more robust communication and data processing systems are emphasized, especially as AI advances necessitate substantial computational resources, increasing energy consumption. This highlights the challenges of enhancing performance while maintaining energy efficiency, suggesting the limits of Moore's Law and Dennard scaling. The thesis explores the adoption of silicon photonics as a significant innovation, shifting from electrical to optical signals, particularly within Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation (NTT)'s Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) initiative. It analyzes the strategic, operational, and market engagement approaches of NTT, focusing on competitive threats, potential collaborations, and strategies to foster third-party development. The conclusion underscores NTT’s potential to transform telecommunications and data processing through photonics and AI technologies.