What is hollow-core fiber?
Empowering the new cloud and AI networking era
Optical fiber is the backbone of modern connectivity, enabling fast, reliable transmission of massive amounts of data over long distances. Fiber characteristics such as low optical loss and latency are essential for the feasibility and success of critical applications. Industries like financial trading rely on ultra-fast data transmission to execute transactions instantly, while low attenuation is crucial for energy-efficient, long-distance data center connectivity. Hollow-core fiber (HCF) is designed to overcome the physical limitations of conventional single-mode fiber (SMF) optic networks. By guiding light primarily through air instead of glass, HCF delivers reduced latency, higher capacity, faster data transmission speeds and improved transmission quality.
Ultra-low latency
As time-sensitive applications continue to expand, the need for lower-latency transmission becomes increasingly important.
Our deep expertise positions us as a trusted partner for advanced optical networking solutions.
Innovative fiber design
By leveraging an air-guided optical path, HCF minimizes key transmission impairments found in conventional fiber.
Overcoming conventional fiber impairments for next-gen networks
HCF addresses crucial limitations of traditional solid-core silica fibers by channeling light through an air-based core rather than glass. Since light travels faster in air, latency is reduced by approximately 30%, a significant improvement for time-sensitive applications such as high-frequency trading. Nonlinear effects are drastically reduced, enabling higher power transmission and better signal integrity, while ultra-low and flat chromatic dispersion simplifies system design and improves high-speed data transmission performance. HCF also operates efficiently across a broader wavelength range than conventional fiber, boosting fiber capacity beyond the C- and L-bands. While these advantages make HCF highly attractive for applications where latency, speed and power are critical, mass production remains a challenge. Achieving stable, low-attenuation performance at scale is difficult, and ongoing research continues to address this. Additionally, the lack of standardization presents difficulties for compatibility among multiple vendors.
HCF is transforming optical networks
HCF presents fundamental differences, making it essential to partner with a proven optical expert for successful deployment and integration.
Unmatched expertise for optimal networks over any type of fiber
A collaborative ecosystem and advancement of standards are key to accelerating the deployment of HCF fiber. With our FSP 3000 open optical transport technology, Adtran has actively participated in HCF trials, gaining valuable insights into its unique characteristics, performance and integration challenges. Our deep expertise in optical network design and the development of crucial components, such as optical amplifiers, positions us as a trusted partner in advanced optical networking solutions. Leveraging this experience, we adapt our systems and design the optimal network architecture in accordance with the fiber and link characteristics. This flexibility and know-how ensure that our customers benefit from high-performance, future-ready networks tailored to their unique requirements.
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