CONTENTS
Welcome to the December 2024 issue of Optical Connections. Being the last issue of the year, we take a look back at some of the most important and industry-changing news and products during the year. We also take a look at what developments we can expect to see in the year ahead. In addition, we take a look into the future at a potentially game-changing technology which, while not new, could have massive implications for high-speed, low-power optical switching. We talk to Michael Lebby , CEO at Lightwave Logic, about the use of electro-optic polymers in the communications industry, which the company has been working on for the last few years. The latest generation of wireless access points are exceeding the transmission capacities of conventional structured, copper-based LAN cabling. So how to best connect access points to these next-generation local area data networks? The most attractive solution is to connect terminal equipment using fibre optics, writes Matthias Gerber , Market Manager LAN Cabling at Reichle & De-Massari AG. 2024 has been a phenomenal year for the fibre optic industry, so we’ve picked out just a few of the many important news stories and innovative products that we’ve reported over the last 12 months. Plus, we’ve invited some industry leaders to gaze into their crystal balls and predict the directions the industry might take in 2025. This issue also features a round-up of ECOC 2024, which took place in Frankfurt am Maine, at the end of September. Once again, the exhibition showcased the latest products and services, as well as providing an unrivalled opportunity to meet and network with key suppliers and industry leaders. 2024 saw yet another uptick in visitor, exhibitor and delegate numbers, which augers well for ECOC 2025, which will take place in Copenhagen. In the meantime, the Optical Connections team would like to wish all our sponsors, advertisers and readers a very happy and successful 2025 and we look forward to continuing our relationships in the coming year. NEW YEAR, NEW TECH
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Industry News
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Electro-optic Polymers Michael Lebby
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Industry News 2024
10 Products News 2024 12 The Year Ahead Peter Dykes 14 Hybrid Cabling Reichle & De-Massari 16 EPIC CEO Interview Henrik Skov Andersen 18 ECOC 2024 Wrap
22 ECOC 2024 Market Focus 24 ECOC 2024 Industry Awards 25 ECOC 2024 Statistics 26 TOP Conference Preview 30 Product News
Peter Dykes Contributing Editor, Optical Connections
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INDUSTRY FOCUS 2024/2025
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