Cisco acquires optical networking technology maker Lightwire for $271M, saying the future of high-speed networking lies in the use of Silicon-based (CMOS) photonics technology.
Lightwire integrates multiple high-speed optical functions onto small silicon chips-- creating low-power solutions with higher-density optical connectivity, ideal for data centre components such as switches and routers.
Cisco says the purchase will create “an integrated technology platform that supports our customers' burgeoning need for cost-effective high-speed networks."
The use of traditional CMOS technology is important, being cheaper and simpler than the alternative-- assembly using multiple expensive compound semiconductor parts.
Other companies are also working on similar optical networking technologies, including IBM, HP and Google.