It is a common query in the fiber industry, and there are good reasons for that. Both Multi-Core Fiber (MCF) and Hollow-Core Fiber (HCF) represent exciting advances in fiber technology, promising faster speeds, greater capacity, and new possibilities for data transmission.
But while both technologies are still unavailable on a larger scale and face challenges like high costs and lack of standardization, Multi-Core Fiber is emerging as the more scalable option for real-world applications. In this post, we'll explore what sets these technologies apart, where they're most useful, and why Hexatronic technology experts like Anders Björk and Johan Svanberg believe MCF can become an option for Hexatronic in the future. Let's start by understanding the basics of each fiber type.
What is Hollow-Core Fiber?
Hollow-core fiber, or HCF, is a type of optical fiber in which light travels through a hollow center filled with air instead of solid glass. This design helps reduce signal distortion and allows light to move faster since the glass material does not slow it down.
The biggest benefit is speed. HCF offers ultra-low latency, which makes it a great fit for situations where timing is critical. Think about trading, where even a tiny delay in the bank connection can make a big difference.
That said, HCF isn't widely used yet. It's highly expensive to produce and not easy to scale, which means it's mostly reserved for very specific use cases. For now, it's more of a specialized tool than a go-to solution for large networks.
What is Multi-Core Fiber?
Multi-Core Fiber (MCF) is an optical fiber that contains multiple cores within a single strand, allowing several signals to travel in parallel. This design significantly increases capacity without requiring more physical space, making it an innovative solution for high-bandwidth environments.
The benefits are clear: more data can be transmitted through fewer cables, which helps reduce network complexity and save space. This is especially useful in data centers, where demand for speed and volume is growing rapidly, and in submarine cables, where maximizing capacity is critical.
However, MCF has its own challenges. Splicing requires specialized equipment, and the lack of standardization makes development and deployment more complex. Despite this, the industry is moving toward multi-core solutions, and Hexatronic is actively exploring its potential.
Comparison of Multi-Core and Hollow-Core Fiber
To understand which fiber technology is better suited for future networks, it helps to look at how Multi-Core and Hollow-Core Fiber differ in terms of performance, scalability, and use cases. Here's a side-by-side comparison to make it easier to see where each one fits.
|
Feature |
Multi-Core Fiber (MCF) |
Hollow-Core Fiber (HCF) |
|---|---|---|
|
Capacity |
High – multiple cores increase throughput |
Moderate – single core, but faster transmission |
|
Latency |
Standard |
Very low – light travels through air |
|
Scalability |
High – suitable for large networks |
Low – limited to niche applications |
|
Use cases |
Data centers, submarine cables |
Financial trading, edge computing |
|
Challenges |
Splicing complexity, lack of standardization |
High cost, difficult to scale |
Miniaturization and fiber evolution
Fiber technology keeps getting smaller and smarter. Engineers and developers are actively pushing the limits of cable design to make networks more efficient and sustainable. By reducing the diameter of fiber cables, they can be combined with slimmer ducts, which use less material in production and require fewer trucks for transportation. This shift reduces environmental impact and transportation costs. Another positive aspect is easier handling for fiber technicians in the field. We go further into the topic in the article Why choose slimmer fiber optic cables for your project?
At Hexatronic, we've already embraced this trend. Our Viper Micro Cables and Stingray Air Blown Fiber (ABF) are designed to deliver high performance in a compact format. For our slimmest cables, we reduced fiber diameters from 250 to 180 micrometers, but Product Developer Johan Svanberg says that we're now close to the limit; going smaller can make the fibers too fragile for practical use. That's why we're now exploring other innovative solutions.
So what's next? Instead of going thinner, we're going smarter. Multi-Core Fiber offers a new path forward, packing more capacity into the same space without compromising durability. It's a natural extension of the miniaturization journey, opening up exciting possibilities for high-capacity networks.
Why is Multi-Core Fiber gaining momentum?
MCF increases capacity without adding size, which makes it a wise choice for places where space is limited but bandwidth demands are growing fast. Data centers are a great example. Hexatronic Product Manager Anders Björk explains that data centers evolved from massive hard drives to powerful processors, handling real-time applications and AI workloads. That shift puts pressure on the infrastructure to keep up.
Johan Svanberg also emphasized the importance of scalability. Hollow-Core Fiber is impressive when it comes to speed, but it's expensive and best suited for niche use cases. Multi-Core Fiber, on the other hand, is more flexible. It can be installed in existing duct systems and scaled to meet future needs, even though it requires specialized equipment for splicing.
Hexatronic is monitoring this development closely and the team is exploring the practical use of MCF technology for our customer base. Standardization is still a challenge, but it also creates room for innovation and technological leadership.
The role of AI in fiber demand
AI tools have become part of everyday life. Whether writing, planning, analyzing, or automating, you likely rely on artificial intelligence to get things done faster and smarter. But behind the scenes, these tools depend on fast, reliable networks to handle the massive amounts of data they process.
As AI continues to grow, so does the need for fiber infrastructure that can support it. The demand for bandwidth is rising quickly, especially in data centers and cloud environments where AI workloads are most intense.
Multi-Core Fiber is well-suited to meet these demands. It increases capacity without taking up more space, making it easier to upgrade existing networks without significant changes. In short, MCF can offer a scalable and future-ready solution for companies building infrastructure to support AI.
Conclusion
Multi-Core and Hollow-Core Fiber both represent exciting steps forward in fiber technology, but they serve very different purposes. Hollow-Core Fiber offers impressive speed for highly specialized applications, while Multi-Core Fiber brings scalability and capacity to environments where data demands are growing fast.
From data centers to submarine cables, Multi-Core Fiber is emerging as the more practical choice for building future-ready networks. It fits into existing infrastructure, supports the rise of AI, and aligns with the ongoing trend toward miniaturization.
At Hexatronic, we explore new technology that can potentially shape the next generation of fiber optics. While MCF might not be offered right away, we have plenty of products to support cost-efficient and scalable fiber network builds. Reach out to our experts to discuss your needs today!
