Ultra Ethernet

About Ultra Ethernet

Ultra Ethernet is an open, interoperable networking technology designed to meet the increasing bandwidth and latency demands of AI and high-performance computing. Developed by the Ultra Ethernet Consortium (UEC) – a group of leading hyperscalers, chipmakers and networking vendors – the specification defines how wired connections can move data at unprecedented speed and scale.

The UEC 1.0 specification was launched in June 2025 and version 1.0.2 was released in January 2026. Unlike proprietary alternatives, Ultra Ethernet builds on existing Ethernet infrastructure and leverages the latest networking technology innovations to offer lower costs, wider compatibility and easier integration.

The technology is used in AI training and inference environments, where thousands of GPUs and accelerators must exchange massive volumes of data in microseconds. It also supports scientific computing, cloud infrastructure and advanced analytics – essentially anywhere that compute-intensive workloads require fast, reliable and scalable interconnects.

Patent pool to enhance clarity, boost adoption

There is significant industry demand for an open and interoperable architecture addressing next-generation wired networking, as evidenced by the broad participation in the UEC. A common specification will boost competition, provide data centre operators with more options and reduce costs.

But as with any technology, there is a risk that implementing Ultra Ethernet will result in the infringement of existing patent rights.

Companies considering adopting Ultra Ethernet as the backbone of high-performance data centres will therefore require clarity around the intellectual property rights that are essential to implementing the technology.

A best-in-class patent pool can deliver this clarity, thus accelerating the adoption of Ultra Ethernet. Sisvel patent pools illuminate the licensing landscape in fields where deals were previously done on a closed-door bilateral basis. Furthermore, they make the pooled patents available through a single transaction, giving implementers comfort that they are competing on a level playing field.

Sisvel has the track record and expertise to create a successful pool

Sisvel is Europe’s largest and longest-established patent pool operator. It has a track record of creating successful licensing programmes around networking technologies.

The company’s Wi-Fi 6 pool secured more than 40 licensees within a three-year period, including industry giants such as Acer, Cisco, HP, Huawei and Netgear. This success led to the January 2026 launch of Sisvel Wi-Fi Multimode, a successor pool covering both Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7. Membership expanded to 10 patent owners and deals have been announced with licensees including Sony and HP Enterprise. These were breakthrough programmes in a technology area that was long known for complex and opaque licensing.

Ultra Ethernet represents a natural progression from wireless to wired networking technology for the Sisvel team, which has invested considerable resources in understanding the technical and business landscape.

The Sisvel Tech unit – which is unique in the industry – has conducted detailed analysis of the specification, mapped required and optional features and identified relevant patent portfolios. Meanwhile, our business development team has engaged with stakeholders across the industry to understand the wired networking licensing environment.

This rigorous preparation will enable us to ensure that should we proceed to pool formation, the licence offer that we put together will be compelling to both licensors and licensees.