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Hollow-core fibre: powering the future of AI-ready data centres

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Hollow-core fibre: powering the future of AI-ready data centres

Innovative fibre-optic technology expands geographic possibilities, enhances speed, and unlocks sustainable energy sources for global data infrastructure.

As data centres face increasing pressure to support AI-driven data processing, the demand for electric power has emerged as a significant bottleneck. Hollow-core fibre (HCF) technology, however, presents an innovative solution poised to reshape data centre infrastructure. Unlike traditional fibre-optic cables, which rely on solid glass cores, HCF features an air-filled core supported by precision-engineered anti-resonant structures. This groundbreaking design creates a near-perfect mirror effect, enabling data transmission at dramatically higher speeds and efficiencies. In fact, hollow-core fibre can transmit data nearly 50% faster and 1.5 times farther than conventional fibre-optic cables, significantly reducing latency and extending connectivity range from 60 kilometers (37 miles) up to 90 kilometers (56 miles).

Latency reduction is inherent to Hollow Core Fibre, but smart engineering can amplify this benefit even further. Organisations can now select data centre sites based on factors like renewable energy availability, lower land or operational costs, or suitable climate conditions, without the typical latency penalties. The extended reach of HCF technology opens up approximately 2.25 times more potential locations for data centres, allowing companies to select sites based on renewable energy availability, cost efficiency, or favorable climate conditions—without traditional latency penalties. Data centres can now be built in regions previously considered too remote. They can expand availability zones and unlock untapped renewable energy sources—such as solar farms and wind installations—without compromising on mission-critical performance. Hyperscalers, for example, can build facilities wherever renewable power sources are abundant, significantly expanding available geographic options.

Recognizing the immense potential of HCF, Prysmian has entered into a strategic partnership with Relativity Networks, a pioneering provider of next-generation fibre-optic technology. This collaboration will enable large-scale production of Relativity Networks' hollow-core optical fibre and cable, further accelerating industry adoption. Under the agreement, Prysmian will manufacture HCF fibre at a dedicated facility in Eindhoven, Netherlands, leveraging its extensive production expertise. Relativity Networks will provide complementary connectors and hardware, ensuring seamless integration with existing fibre-optic systems. 

Developed in partnership with the University of Central Florida’s College of Optics and Photonics, Relativity Networks' patent-pending HCF technology is already attracting significant interest from major cloud-computing providers eager to deploy the technology at scale. Together, Prysmian and Relativity Networks aim to meet the global surge in demand for advanced optical fibre solutions, empowering data centres worldwide to harness faster, more efficient, and sustainable technology.