Get AI-Ready Data Centre Density with Corning® GlassWorks AI™ Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is fibre density critical for hyperscale AI data centres?

  As AI workloads grow, the size of clusters and the number of required fibre connections increase exponentially. Modern switch racks may accommodate over 20,000 fibres—significantly surpassing the capacity of traditional setups. Managing this density is essential to ensure efficient space utilisation, maintain performance, and support scalability within limited rack space and pathways.

• How can smaller OD (outer diameter) cables help improve fibre density?

  Smaller OD cables, such as those using 200 μm Flow Ribbon technology, reduce cable thickness by up to 60%. This minimises pathway congestion, simplifies tray management, and allows for more efficient use of limited conduit space, especially in high-density environments like AI-driven data centres.

• What role do multicore fibres play in addressing fibre density?

  Multicore fibre technology delivers up to 4x the density per fibre, significantly minimising the need for cables and tray layers. However, adopting this advanced technology presents challenges, including polarity management, fan-in/fan-out costs, and ensuring compatibility with existing transceiver systems. Corning GlassWorks AI™ is well-equipped to collaborate with customers in leveraging this innovative solution, which is especially advantageous in space-constrained environments.

• How do high-density connectors solve space constraints in racks?

  MMC Connectors, such as MMC16 and MMC24, are engineered to optimise patching density while reducing the rack unit (RU) space required. For example, transitioning from MPO12 to MMC24 can reduce patching space requirements by more than 50%, allowing engineers to fit dense interconnects into racks with limited real estate.

• Are there ways to streamline installation in high-density networks?

  Pre-terminated fibre assemblies simplify installation by reducing on-site labour and testing requirements. Engineers can use pre-designed Shuffle Assemblies to manage fibre redistribution and polarity mapping, ensuring faster deployment.