Daniel Rowan, Telecoms Director
At JSM Group, our telecoms work has been at the forefront of fibre installation across the UK for over two decades, delivering high-performance connectivity for business-critical networks. From enabling Openreach’s FTTP rollout in rural communities to supporting ultra-low-latency links for financial institutions and hyperscale data centres, our new Telecoms Director, Daniel Rowan’s expertise spans the full spectrum of fibre infrastructure. As the industry evolves, we’re continuing to embrace next-generation technologies like hollow core fibre (HCF), a breakthrough innovation that redefines speed, efficiency, and security in optical networks. In this spotlight article, Daniel will explore the transformative potential of HCF, its growing role in data centre interconnects, and how it aligns with our vision for future-ready telecoms solutions.
The benefits of HCF stem from its core principle: light travels approximately 30% faster in air than in glass, approaching the speed of light in a vacuum. This results in dramatically lower latency, a reduction of up to 50% compared to conventional single-mode fibre (SMF). In my experience installing low-latency links for financial institutions via Colt, even milliseconds matter in high-frequency trading; HCF could shave off critical microseconds. Beyond speed, HCF offers reduced signal attenuation, with losses as low as 0.1 dB/km in advanced designs, minimising the need for amplifiers over long hauls. It also handles higher optical power without nonlinear effects like self-phase modulation, which plague dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) systems in overloaded networks. Additional perks include lower dispersion for cleaner signals, enhanced radiation resistance for harsh environments, and improved thermal stability – ideal for the variable conditions I’ve encountered in UK underground ducts. From a security standpoint, the air core makes it harder for eavesdroppers to tap signals, bolstering data integrity in an era of rising cyber threats. Overall, these attributes translate to higher bandwidth capacity, potentially supporting terabit-scale transmissions while cutting energy costs through fewer repeaters.
In data centres HCF is already making waves. Data centres are the nerve centres of cloud computing and AI, demanding ultra-low-latency interconnects to handle massive workloads. Microsoft, for instance, is integrating HCF into its Azure infrastructure to accelerate AI training by reducing propagation delays in vast server farms. A proof-of-concept by OFS and Digital Realty demonstrated HCF enabling quantum-secure links between data centres with minimal latency, safeguarding sensitive data transfers. Prysmian Group’s partnership with Relativity Networks is rolling out HCF cables that transmit data 50% faster, targeting hyperscale facilities where intra-rack and inter-building connections bottleneck performance. In practical terms, I’ve seen similar needs in UK data centres like those in Slough or Docklands; HCF could replace SMF in short-haul links, slashing round-trip times for AI inference and real-time analytics. Trials by Nokia and lyntia have shown seamless integration with existing optics, proving HCF’s compatibility without overhauling infrastructure. This is crucial for operators who prioritise scalable upgrades.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, I see HCF evolving from niche to mainstream, driven by AI’s insatiable hunger for speed. At Optical Fiber Communication Conference (OFC) 2025, the buzz around HCF highlighted its potential for multi-core variants and subsea cables, with latency improvements enabling global low-delay networks. Market projections forecast a CAGR exceeding 20%, growing from $13 million in 2025 to widespread adoption by 2033, fuelled by hyperscalers like those targeted by startups such as Relativity Networks. Innovations from YOFC and FiberHome, including 24-core HCF with 270T capacities, signal breakthroughs for 6G and edge computing. In the UK, with Openreach’s push for full-fibre nationwide, HCF could enhance backhaul for 5G small cells and smart cities. Challenges remain – manufacturing costs and bend sensitivity – but ongoing R&D, like anti-resonant designs, will address them. Ultimately, HCF isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a paradigm shift, promising greener, faster networks that align with the UK’s net-zero ambitions.
In our industry, technologies like this remind me why utilities, and for me, telecoms is so exhilarating – constant innovation keeping us ahead of demand. HCF’s future is bright, and I can’t wait to install the first commercial links.