CONTENTS
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FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY AT ECOC EXHIBITION 2026
Industry News
Scaling optics for AI data centres Anthony Savvas
Welcome to the Autumn 2026 edition and ECOC Exhibition 2026 special of Optical Connections.
14 Reducing fibre connection losses Pietro Bernasconi 16 Hollow-core fibre testing Douglas Clague 18 Photonics in the age of AI Dr Helena Diez-y-Riega & Dr. Jon Pugh 20 The fibre bottleneck Thomas Ritz 22 AI in broadband networks Manuel Paul & Tony Zeng 24 AI-driven automation Pino G. Dicorato 26 Cleaning for stable fibre connections Masayuki Murakami 31 ECOC2026 Preview 33 Product News
A year ago, we were highlighting the industry’s impressive momentum, as it accelerated new optical technologies and initiatives to meet the emerging demands of AI‑driven data centre connectivity. This year, we are starting to see that progress move from concept to reality. Some of the solutions we discussed in 2025 will now be on display and demonstrated live across the Exhibition’s Market Focus sessions and Product Focus showcases. In this issue, we echo some of these developments, with a strong focus on how optical networks are laying the foundation for the AI era, and vice versa. Hollow‑core fibre (HCF) is one of the technologies now moving firmly from promise to deployment. Its distinct physical properties unlock transformative performance gains but also introduce new complexity in testing and certification, which must be addressed before it becomes a stalwart in optical infrastructure. We also look at other key technologies shaping the AI data‑centre era - from photonics to ultra‑low‑loss fibre connections - and the physical preparation needed to ensure they operate seamlessly when the system goes live. It is not only optical connections shaping the future of AI, but AI is now reshaping optical connections themselves. In this edition, we look at how AI is being embedded deeper into the network, from access and in home environments to the automation frameworks that make optical communications more efficient, predictable, and reliable. I hope you enjoy reading this edition and the sold out ECOC Exhibition as our industry continues to explore the technologies, challenges, and opportunities shaping the next chapter of optical innovation and building a more intelligent, connected world.
Brian Dolby Editor, Optical Connections
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ISSUE 44 | Q3 2026
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