RICHMOND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 11, 2026--
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These 2 Optical Circuit Switches are built with the same DiCon 3D MEMS platform and carry the same proven reliability as DiCon’s field deployed 384x384 Optical Matrix Switches. To reduce the cost (and pass on the savings to end-customers) the 2 new models have less premium features and do not offer many advanced options. The end-to-end loss through the OCS is less than 3.0 dB, meeting the requirements set by the hyperscalers and data center operators.
Four Decades of All-Optical Switching Innovation
Founded in 1986, DiCon marks its 40th anniversary this year as a global leader in all-optical switching products. Since pioneering MEMS technology in 1998, the company has consistently set industry benchmarks in MEMS-based switching products, from the introduction of an industry-first MEMS on/off switch in 2001 to the recent release of the market’s largest All-Optical Matrix Switch, the 600x600.
In addition to the AI-focused 300x300 and 64x64 switches, DiCon is also proud to announce two other groundbreaking products to its roadmap:
Planning for the AI Demand
The rapid advancements in AI technologies is quickly changing networking hardware requirements. To meet the surging AI infrastructure needs, DiCon has aggressively scaled its production capacity and expects to deliver over 3,000 matrix switch units across various configurations within this calendar year alone. DiCon is also planning to multiply its output by many folds in the coming years.
Industry Impact
"This milestone reinforces DiCon’s leadership in MEMS-based high-port-count all-optical switching," said Jeff Lee, DiCon’s Chief Product Officer. "By delivering field-proven performance at a competitive price point, we are ensuring that the next generation of AI and quantum scale-out can happen reliably and efficiently."
About DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc.
DiCon Fiberoptics is a pioneer in the photonics industry, specializing in the design and manufacture of high-density optical switching and testing solutions. For 40 years, DiCon has been a key supplier in the market, providing best-in-class components and solutions for critical optical communication infrastructures, combining innovation with the reliability required by the world’s most demanding data centers and telecommunications networks.
Company: DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc.
Website: www.diconfiberoptics.com
DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc. announces the expansion of its MEMS Optical Circuit Switch (OCS) portfolio by introducing the highly reliable and value-focused 300x300 and 64x64 models, designed for data center leaf-and-spine networks and AI server torus connectivity architectures.
Iran fired missiles and drones at targets across the Gulf including oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and a ship off the coast of the Emirates, while Israeli and the United States struck targets across the Islamic Republic. Saudi Arabia and other states said they intercepted multiple drone attacks.
Six members of the Iranian women’s soccer team will remain in Australia, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Wednesday, while one of the squad members who was previously granted asylum changed her mind and planned to return to Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump said in social media posts there were no reports of Iran planting explosives in the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil is shipped. The U.S. said it took out more than a dozen minelaying Iranian vessels Tuesday to help prevent any attempt to close the waterway.
Iran's vow not to allow any oil through the strategic strait has led to market volatility and fears of shortages, especially in Asia, which is dependent on oil shipped from the region.
Israel struck a building in the center of the Lebanese capital Beirut as part of its campaign against Hezbollah. The Lebanese group has been carrying out attacks against Israel in support of Iran.
Here is the latest:
The Israeli military sounded alarms across Israel after detecting missiles launched from Iran.
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad urged U.S. citizens on Wednesday to leave Iraq, citing the risk of attacks and kidnappings.
“There have been attacks against U.S. citizens and U.S. interests in Iraq, and Americans face risk of kidnapping,” the statement said. “American businesses, hotels frequented by foreigners, and other facilities in Iraq, including those with U.S. ties, have been attacked.”
Since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, triggering the ongoing war in the Middle East, Iran and Iran-backed Iraqi militias have launched dozens of missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases and diplomatic facilities, energy and communications sites in Iraq, particularly in the semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region.
Iraq’s airspace is closed, with land borders open to cross into Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
“Americans should strongly consider departing via one of these overland routes if they believe it is safe to do so,” the statement said.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister has called for Iran to stop its attacks in Arab countries and warned that it should avoid “comprehensive chaos” in the Middle East.
Badr Abdelatty’s comments Wednesday came in a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to the Egyptian foreign ministry.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry says that the death toll since the latest round of Israel-Hezbollah fighting began on March 2, has risen to 570.
The ministry added that 1,444 people have been wounded since then.
The ministry said the dead included 86 children and 45 women.
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways will soon raise its fuel surcharges after experiencing a jump in jet fuel prices during the Iran war, its leaders said Wednesday.
The company’s CEO, Ronald Lam, said an announcement on surcharge adjustment will be made soon. The airline saw jet fuel prices roughly double in March from the average prices recorded in January and February.
Lavinia Lau, the firm’s chief customer and commercial officer, reported a surge in demand for routes, including those flying between Hong Kong and Europe, as passengers sought alternatives.
The airline has already halted flight services to Dubai and Riyadh for this month.
Thai officials say a search is underway for three missing crew members after a Thai cargo ship was struck and set ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.
Thailand’s Marine Department said 20 crew members from the ship Mayuree Naree have already been rescued by the Omani navy and brought ashore in Khasab. The department said the three missing crew members were reportedly in the engine room when the explosion occurred.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, run by the British military, said earlier that the vessel had been hit just north of Oman in the strait.
The Marine Department said it is coordinating with relevant domestic and international agencies for the search and rescue operation and to provide assistance to the affected crew members.
Israel’s military said Wednesday it was repositioning troops from the south to provide reinforcements along the northern border.
Hezbollah last week resumed its drone and rocket attacks against Israel in support of Iran, and Israel responded with an intense, ongoing offensive.
For the residents of northern Israel, this has meant a return of the familiar sounds of explosions, interceptions, artillery fire and overhead jets. Sirens go off multiple times a day warning of incoming fire, typically providing a warning of just seconds to take cover and forcing residents to stay near shelters at all times.
Israel evacuated more than 60,000 people from northern Israel during the previous war with Hezbollah. There are currently no plans to evacuate northern communities.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the war must be stopped before it “sets the entire region on fire.”
“If diplomacy is given a chance, it is indeed possible to achieve (peace),” Erdogan said in a speech to his ruling party’s legislators.
He said Turkey was pressing ahead with efforts to bring the parties back to the negotiating table.
Iran held a funeral Wednesday for commanders and others killed at the start of the war with Israel and the United States.
Iranian state television aired footage of people gathered at Enqelab Square in Tehran, Iran’s capital, even as Israeli airstrikes targeted the city.
Among those being honored were Lt. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, and Lt. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, who led the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.
The Israeli military said it is simultaneously carrying out strikes across Iran as well as Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut.
Pope Leo XIV is praying for peace in Iran, Lebanon and the Middle East at large, saying he hopes prayers may “be a comfort to those who suffer and a seed of hope for the future.”
Speaking at the end of his weekly general audience, Leo recalled that the funeral of a Maronite priest killed in southern Lebanon was being celebrated Wednesday. He said the Rev. Pierre El Raii, who was killed Monday as he tried to rescue a wounded parishioner, was a true pastor.
“May the Lord grant that his shed blood be a seed of peace for beloved Lebanon,” he said.
The Vatican is particularly concerned about how the war is affecting Lebanon, a Muslim-majority country where about a third of the population is Christian.
Lebanon, where Leo visited late last year, has always been a priority for the Holy See since it stands as a bulwark for Christians in the region at a time when protracted conflicts have decimated Christian communities that date from the time of the Apostles.
Oman said Wednesday that it shot down an Iranian drone and another crashed into the sea near its port at Duqm.
The state-run Oman News Agency, quoting an anonymous security official, made the announcement. It said there were no human or material losses in Wednesday’s drone attack.
Duqm has been a key resupply point for the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group amid the war.
China’s government said its efforts in the Iran war have been focused on “diplomatic mediation,” hoping to help ease tensions, and that it is in communication with all parties, “including parties to the conflict.”
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Wednesday that China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, has been holding phone conversations with different counterparts and that the special envoy to the region, Zhai Jun, is currently traveling across several countries.
“As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a sincere friend of Middle Eastern countries, China will not stop its efforts for peace, nor will it cease its voice in upholding fairness and justice,” he added.
Some restaurant owners in India say they are struggling to secure liquefied petroleum gas cylinders, forcing them to scale back operations.
India has invoked emergency powers requiring refiners to divert more fuel for domestic use, a move hospitality sector groups say has tightened supplies for restaurants. The squeeze is being felt most acutely by restaurants in major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
“I will have to shut down my business. How can I run my restaurant without fuel?” said Amit Bhatia, a restaurant owner.
India relies heavily on oil and gas shipped through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has attacked several ships in the strait and threatened any ships that try to pass through, effectively closing it.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, said the U.S.-Israeli attacks violate international law.
Meloni, in an address to the Italian Senate on Wednesday, described a broader international crisis “in which threats are becoming increasingly terrifying and unilateral interventions outside the confines of international law are multiplying.”
She said the “the American and Israeli intervention against the Iranian regime” should be understood as part of that broader crisis.
An Associated Press journalist in Doha, Qatar’s capital, saw air defenses intercept incoming fire.
Israeli’s air force carried out three airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs Wednesday.
The strikes on the suburb of Haret Hreik and nearby areas came after the Israeli military warned that it would attack several buildings in the area.
The United Arab Emirates said Wednesday afternoon its air defenses were trying to shoot down incoming Iranian fire.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry says overnight Israeli strikes on eastern and southern Lebanon have killed 14 people and wounded more than two dozen people.
The ministry said seven were killed and 11 wounded in a strike on the southern village of Chehabiyeh, while seven were killed and 18 wounded in a separate strike on the village of Tamnine el-Tahta in the eastern Bekaa valley.
The ministry did not give further details but the state news agency said that the strike on Tamnine el-Tahta hit a home where a Syrian family lived. A resident in the area said the area struck was a small concrete block factory.
The European Union’s top official says the Iran war has already cost the 27-nation bloc’s citizens around 3 billion euros ($3.5 billion) in energy imports and warns Europe must resist the temptation to buy Russian oil and gas again.
“Gas prices have risen by 50% and oil prices have risen by 27%. If you translate that into euros — the 10 days of war have already cost European taxpayers an additional 3 billion euros in fossil fuel imports,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
“That is the price of our dependency,” she told EU lawmakers in Strasbourg, France, noting the price of European renewables and nuclear energy has remained steady.
Von der Leyen rejected calls for the EU to return to buying Russian energy, which the bloc has stopped doing since President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops into Ukraine in 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday a Ukrainian is heading to Gulf countries.
The delegation including military specialists and led by Defense Council secretary and chief negotiator Rustem Umerov will help strengthen defenses as tensions rise following Iranian attacks.
In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian specialists could help protect lives and stabilize the situation in the region.
He added it is impossible to predict how long the crisis will last but stressed that protecting lives and restoring stability is urgently needed, including for Ukraine.
A court in Sri Lanka has ordered a hospital to hand over the bodies of 84 Iranian sailors killed in a U.S submarine attack off the island nation’s southern coast.
Galle National Hospital Director Ranga Sabapathige said he received the order from the Galle magistrate to return the bodies to Iranian officials.
The Iranian officials will travel from the capital Colombo to Galle on Wednesday for the transfer, he said.
Lebanon’s minister of social affairs says the war has displaced 780,000 people in the country so far.
Haneen Sayed told reporters after meeting President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday morning that 120,000 displaced people are staying in shelters around Lebanon.
They discussed the challenges of the response and the humanitarian aid arriving to support the displaced, Sayed said.
Sayed added that a European Union plane arrived Tuesday with aid that will be distributed in shelters.
She said additional aid shipments from Jordan, France and other countries are expected.
A boy runs inside cement pipe turned into a bomb shelter as air raid sirens warn of incoming Iranian missile strike in Michmoret, Israel, Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
A man passes in front of a destroyed building that housed a branch of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a non-bank financial institution run by Hezbollah, which was hit by an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon, Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
Protesters wave Iranian flags and hold a portrait of the late Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his son Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei to support his selection as the new Iran's Supreme Leader in Baghdad, Monday, March 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
A displaced woman holds a child as another stands beside her between rows of tents at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, which has been turned into a shelter for people displaced by Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Smoke rise from an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon, Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
