Nokia Introduces PON-Powered Data Center Management Platform to Reduce Power Use and Infrastructure Complexity

Nokia Introduces PON-Powered Data Center Management Platform to Reduce Power Use and Infrastructure Complexity

(IN BRIEF) Nokia has launched Aurelis for Data Centers, a new out-of-band management solution designed to improve the efficiency and resilience of large-scale AI and cloud data center infrastructure. The system uses Passive Optical Network technology to provide a centralized fiber-based architecture capable of managing thousands of devices while significantly reducing hardware complexity. Compared with traditional rack-based OOBM deployments, the solution can reduce active switching equipment by up to 90 percent, lower power consumption by more than 50 percent and simplify operational processes by up to 80 percent. The platform includes the Aurelis MF-2 Optical Switch, remotely managed optical modems and the Aurelis Command Center management system. With automation features such as zero-touch provisioning and AI-driven troubleshooting, the solution aims to help data center operators streamline operations, reduce costs and support the growing infrastructure demands created by AI and cloud computing.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESPOO, 17-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Nokia has expanded its out-of-band management portfolio with the launch of Aurelis for Data Centers, a new fiber-based solution designed to simplify the monitoring and control of server infrastructure in large-scale data centers supporting AI and cloud workloads.

Out-of-band management (OOBM) systems provide a dedicated and secure control path that allows operators to monitor, manage and recover servers even when the main network experiences issues. As modern data centers continue to scale rapidly, maintaining reliable and efficient OOBM infrastructure has become increasingly important for operators managing large numbers of servers and network devices.

The Aurelis platform introduces a purpose-built approach to out-of-band management by using Passive Optical Network (PON) fiber technology. By relying on PON architecture rather than traditional switch-based deployments, the solution reduces the number of active switching devices required in data centers while improving overall operational efficiency.

Conventional OOBM systems typically rely on dedicated switches installed in every server rack, increasing hardware complexity as well as power and cooling requirements. Nokia’s new approach replaces many of these devices with a centralized optical system capable of connecting thousands of endpoints from a single platform.

According to the company, the solution can reduce the number of active switches used in OOBM deployments by up to 90 percent. This architecture helps free up valuable rack space while lowering power consumption by at least 50 percent and simplifying operational processes by as much as 80 percent.

Geert Heyninck said demand for AI infrastructure is accelerating and forcing data center operators to rethink how networks are designed and managed. He noted that PON technology offers strong efficiency and reliability advantages, making it well suited for out-of-band management environments where stability and resilience are essential. Heyninck added that Aurelis has already been deployed in hundreds of mission-critical enterprise networks and can help data centers improve reliability while lowering operational costs.

The Aurelis solution includes several components designed to work together as an integrated platform. At the core of the system is the Aurelis MF-2 Optical Switch, which functions as the central platform connecting thousands of devices using a point-to-multipoint architecture typical of PON networks.

The platform also incorporates Aurelis Optical Modems, which terminate fiber connections and convert them into Ethernet interfaces that connect to server equipment. These devices are typically installed at the top of racks and can be remotely managed to simplify maintenance and deployment.

In addition, the Aurelis Command Center provides centralized management capabilities. The software platform includes intent-based automation features designed to simplify configuration and operations while integrating with existing data center controllers and automation systems.

Automation capabilities also play an important role in reducing operational workloads. The solution supports zero-touch provisioning, enabling rapid deployment of new devices, while AI-assisted diagnostics help identify and resolve potential issues proactively, minimizing manual intervention and reducing the need for on-site maintenance.

Industry analysts have noted that data center operators are increasingly exploring fiber-based architectures as infrastructure expands to support AI and cloud services. Chris DePuy said that point-to-multipoint optical networks can deliver significant benefits in terms of power efficiency, space utilization and cost savings compared with conventional network designs.

By combining fiber-based connectivity with centralized management and automation capabilities, Nokia aims to provide a simplified and scalable OOBM solution suited for next-generation data center environments.

Resources and additional information:

Product Page: Nokia Aurelis Optical LAN solution

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SOURCE: Nokia