Hollow Core Fiber: A Disruptive Shift in Optical Networking

Webinar presented by Lightwave 

As AI-driven applications reshape data center and interconnect architectures, the industry is exploring new ways to overcome the physical limits of conventional single-mode fiber. Hollow core fiber (HCF), which guides light through an air-filled core rather than solid glass, represents a fundamental shift in how optical networks can be designed to reduce latency and support extreme bandwidth demands.

While the benefits of HCF are gaining attention, its adoption also raises important questions across the ecosystem: from manufacturing complexity and spectral characteristics to mechanical robustness and operational readiness. These differences challenge long-established assumptions about how fiber networks are tested, validated, and maintained.

This webinar brings together ecosystem experts to examine what makes hollow-core fiber different, where its real-world challenges lie, and what needs to change to make it operationally viable at scale. From early deployments to hyperscaler requirements, the discussion will highlight how collaboration across fiber manufacturers, network operators, and solution providers is essential to accelerate adoption.

We also discuss how testing and validation approaches must adapt to the unique characteristics of HCF, supporting performance verification, fault identification, and efficient deployment as the technology transitions from innovation into operational networks.

Key topics include:

• What differentiates hollow core fiber from conventional single-mode fiber
• Key challenges impacting HCF deployment and operations
• How testing methodologies must evolve for hollow-core environments
• Best practices for validating performance and transmission quality
• New approaches to fault identification and troubleshooting

Speakers:
Jason Eichenholz CEO & Founder Relativity Networks 
Gwenn Amice Senior Member Technical Staff EXFO