Multicore fiber is an optical cable that contains several separate light-carrying pathways inside a single outer jacket, like multiple lanes in one highway. It lets networks carry much more data through the same physical space, lowering the need for additional cables and equipment. Investors care because it can cut network-building costs, increase capacity for data centers and telecoms, and influence capital and operational spending in communications infrastructure.
micro cabletechnical
A micro cable is a very thin, lightweight cable used to carry data or power in tight spaces, such as fiber-optic lines for internet or small wiring in devices and buildings. For investors, it matters because micro cables can lower installation costs, speed up network expansion and enable new products where space is limited—factors that can boost demand for suppliers and affect infrastructure spending decisions.
co-packaged opticstechnical
Co-packaged optics are optical components—lasers and fiber interfaces—physically packaged together with a network switch’s main processing chip so light-based data links sit much closer to the chip instead of traveling over long electrical traces. For investors, this matters because it can dramatically cut power use, boost data speed and density, and lower system costs in large data centers and telecom equipment, much like moving a power outlet next to a heavy appliance to avoid long, inefficient extension cords.
expanded-beam ferruletechnical
An expanded-beam ferrule is the front tip of a fiber-optic connector that widens and focuses the light beam before it crosses a connection, making physical contact less critical and the joint far more tolerant of dust, dirt, and misalignment. For investors, that means equipment using this technology tends to be more reliable and lower-maintenance in harsh or mobile environments (military, industrial, telecom), which can reduce downtime and support premium pricing or steady recurring revenue for makers and users.
fiber-to-the-hometechnical
Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) is a type of internet connection that uses thin strands of glass or plastic to deliver high-speed data directly to a residence. It is similar to replacing traditional phone or cable wires with a faster, more reliable pipeline for online activities. For investors, FTTH represents a key infrastructure that can enhance internet quality and support the growth of digital services, making it an important area of development in telecommunications.
optical fiber communicationtechnical
Optical fiber communication is a way of sending information as pulses of light through thin glass or plastic fibers, like using a string of tiny, fast-moving flashlights to carry data. It matters to investors because it underpins high-speed internet and data services, influences where telecom and cloud companies spend capital, and can affect growth, competitive advantage, and long-term infrastructure costs in technology and communications markets.
CORNING, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) will showcase new innovations to optimize AI data center networks at the 2026 Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition. The new offerings include a multicore-fiber solution to drive density, a micro cable to interconnect multiple data centers, next-generation connectors to simplify and accelerate deployments, and co-packaged optics systems to enable scale-out of larger AI networks and eventually scale-up of GPU density.
What: Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition
When: March 17-19, 2026
Where: Booth 1739, Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, California
As one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramics, and optical physics, Corning is uniquely positioned to deliver solutions that accelerate deployments of high-density, scalable optical products to address the growth of AI networks. These products optimize space, enhance capacity, and enable growth across network architectures – providing the fiber-rich pathway required for future applications.
“As AI capabilities continue to grow at an unprecedented rate, operators must build networks for today while planning for future demands. Drawing on our 175 years of innovation, Corning continues to deliver end-to-end solutions that simplify and accelerate deployments, in addition to helping our customers prepare for future growth,” said Mike O’Day, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Corning Optical Communications. “Across every segment of the network – from silicon and subsea to rural broadband and data centers – Corning’s innovations are shaping the future of connectivity.”
New innovations on display will include:
Corning® Multicore Fiber Solution: an integrated fiber, cable, and connectivity offering that packs multiple cores into a single fiber strand. This solution delivers a step change in AI-focused network density by offering four times the capacity per fiber within the standard 125-micron cladding footprint. Such dense capacity per fiber simplifies data center installations by requiring up to 75% fewer connectors, reducing cable mass by up to 70% and helping cut installation time by up to 60%.
Corning® Contour™ Flow micro cable: Corning’s latest high-density micro cable drastically reduces cable diameter to maximize duct space and accelerate long distance and campus interconnectivity for AI data centers. This new micro cable, optimized for density with Corning® SMF-28® fiber and Flow Ribbon technology, is approximately half the diameter of legacy ribbon cables, while delivering double the fiber (1728 fibers) in the same space as Corning’s most recent micro cable solution. Its low-friction cable jacket with distributed-strength members improves air jetting for faster deployment.
A new 32-fiber MMC® connector option: Building on Corning’s existing MMC offerings in 12-, 16-, and 24-fiber configurations, the new 32-fiber solution further enhances fiber density and scalability for space constrained, high performance network environments. These MMC solutions are available for both traditional and blind-mate applications, providing customers with greater flexibility to support evolving data center and advanced connectivity requirements.
MMC® connector with PRIZM® TMT ferrule: this expanded-beam ferrule technology integrated into an MMC® connector platform allows precision-aligned microlenses to transmit optical signals through a contactless connection rather than direct fiber-to-fiber contact. The expanded beam PRIZM TMT ferrule simplifies deployment by reducing mating complexities compared to physical contact solutions. This approach enables high-volume scalability and less sensitivity to debris during mating, traits that can lead to faster and more efficient deployments with a lower risk of human error, while reducing total cost of ownership.
Co-packaged optics (CPO) technology: a form of connectivity that brings fiber to the chip, enabling faster data transmission, higher bandwidth density, and improved energy efficiency. Corning will showcase an end-to-end CPO system, which includes detachable fiber array unit-based fiber-to-chip connectors, bend-resilient fibers optimized for short-length CPO applications, and pre-assembled trays that simplify installation and enable scalable deployment. Corning experts will highlight components developed alongside leading CPO system integrators and AI switch providers.
These new products are part of Corning® GlassWorks AI™ Solutions, the company’s one-stop shop for AI products and services. Corning’s innovation leadership spans every optical link in the AI network, inside the data center all the way to the chip, and to interconnections between data center campuses and across long distances.
Corning experts will also showcase fiber-to-the-home solutions, including the Evolv® FlexNAP™ System, a pre-engineered solution that deploys up to 50% faster than traditional methods by eliminating costly field splices. The company will also highlight core network innovations, such as long-haul and submarine fiber solutions, that further demonstrate Corning’s leadership across every edge of the network.
In addition, Corning technology will be featured in several joint demonstrations throughout the conference, including demonstrations featuring multicore solutions and co-packaged optics.
About Corning Incorporated
Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the world’s leading innovators in materials science, with a 175-year track record of life-changing inventions. Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people’s lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in RD&E, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and deep, trust-based relationships with customers who are global leaders in their industries. Corning’s capabilities are versatile and synergistic, which allows the company to evolve to meet changing market needs, while also helping our customers capture new opportunities in dynamic industries. Today, Corning’s markets include optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display, automotive, solar, semiconductors, and life sciences.
