How AI is changing fiber design

In optical networking circles, Corning is always a vendor to watch. Since 2020, the company said it has invested more than $500 million in fiber and cable manufacturing, an expansion that has nearly doubled its ability to serve the US market.

During OFC 2024, networking powerhouses Cisco and Infinera showcased their long-haul and subsea transport capabilities at their booths. Both companies used Corning’s Vasade EX2500, its lowest-loss fiber for those applications. 

Later at the show, Light Reading caught up with Sharon Bois, division VP of product line and marketing for Corning Optical Fiber and Cable, to discuss demand for bandwidth and how it's shaping fiber and cable innovation.

AI needs density, distance

Bois addressed carriers' long-haul needs and discussed the kinds of fiber and cable needed inside and outside the data center. Of course, the data center optics discussion at the show was spurred on by new AI computing needs, which require both density in computing clusters and greater distances between data centers. 

Bois noted that balancing reach, throughput and a familiar workflow are the keys to keeping service providers happy while accommodating rapidly changing bandwidth requirements. 

Pliability, lower attenuation and ultra-low loss are all needed, but in different amounts depending on the application. Bois discussed the innovations coming to service provider networks and data centers today and the tradeoffs needed as network infrastructure evolves.