Nvidia unveils advanced networking tech for AI data centers

Nvidia announced new networking technology at its GTC 2025 event. The company is integrating co-packaged optics into its Quantum and Spectrum switches. This shift aims to lower power use and costs in AI data centers. The new Quantum-X and Spectrum-X switches are designed to significantly improve network efficiency. They achieve this by using silicon photonics, which boosts performance while reducing the need for traditional optical transceivers. Instead of relying on these transceivers, Nvidia is embedding photonics directly into the switches. This reduces energy consumption and minimizes signal loss. These switches can provide high throughput. They support up to 1.6 terabits per second per port. This capability will help connect millions of GPUs, making them ideal for large-scale AI operations. The Quantum-X switches are particularly noted for their superior signal integrity and resilience. Nvidia's innovations could also benefit smaller applications. By improving energy efficiency by 3.5 times, the new technology could help reduce power usage in typical AI data centers from 72 megawatts to 21.6 megawatts. This improvement supports sustainability efforts in technology. While Nvidia is moving towards optical networking, copper cables will still have a role in certain systems. However, as they advance to new configurations, the limitations of copper will become more evident. Nvidia's new switches will be released in late 2025 and 2026. The first model, the Quantum 3450-LD, will have 144 ports with a total bandwidth of 115 terabits per second. Following that, new Spectrum switches will be introduced with even higher capacities.