CONTENTS
4 Industry News 6 Transceiver design Jason Koshy 8 Network monetisation Raf Meersman 10 Alternatives to fibre Antony Savvas 14 Unleashing CPO and glass waveguides Andreas Matiss 16 UK AI NETWORKS Lee Myall 18 Fibre cleaning Liam Taylor 20 IoT and fibre George Malim 22 Data centre infrastructure Xavier Renard 24 EPIC executive briefing Vikram Vathulya 26 ANGACOM preview 31 Product News
GETTING READY FOR THE FUTURE
ANGACOM is upon us once again, and everything from FTTH to the smart home is on the agenda. In this issue, we reflect the importance of ensuring networks are fit for the future in the light of increasing demands for data throughput and latency. Acome’s Xavier Renard asks if current data centre infrastructure is adequate, given these challenges, while Neos Networks’ Lee Myall examines the UK’s AI strategy, and concludes that the success of the initiative will depend for a large part on having adequate optical infrastructure. In terms of access technologies, telecoms journalist George Malim looks at how fibre is fundamental to the success of IoT, AIoT, and smart home networks, while fellow journalist Antony Savvas notes that FTTH isn’t necessarily the best solution, particularly with regard to multiple dwelling units, apartments and offices. Network components are also having to meet future requirements and Infinite Electronics’ Jason Koshy told Optical Connections how transceivers need to evolve, while remaining compatible with existing networks. At the cutting edge of transmission technology, Corning’s Andreas Matiss explains how glass can play an important role in moving silicon-based electro-optical converters as close as possible to the silicon processor. Of course, however efficient optical networks are, they need to be reliable and above all else, they need to be profitable. Maintaining reliability is in part, about keeping optical connectors clean and MicroCare’s Liam Taylor explains how to do it. However, network monetisation is not nearly so simple, as IQGeo’s Raf Meersman points out. He observes that while fibre networks have been built all across Europe, the majority of citizens are still not connected, therefore some radical approaches are required if they are to be profitable in the longer term. And finally, after seven years, I will be stepping down as Contributing Editor of Optical Connections on publication of this issue. Working on the magazine and website has been a great way to end my career as a telecoms writer, helped in no small measure by the wonderful staff at Nexus Media Events, with whom I’ve had an excellent working relationship. I have also enjoyed the very friendly and positive co-operation from the many public relations professionals I have worked with since taking the post. I’m certain Optical Connections will continue to be the leading voice of the fibre optic industry going forward, and wish the team every success for the future.
Peter Dykes Contributing Editor, Optical Connections
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ISSUE 41 | Q2 2025
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