VIAVI Launches First All-in-One Testing Solution for Hollow Core Fiber
VIAVI Solutions Inc. has introduced the industry’s first integrated testing and certification system designed for both medium- and long-distance bidirectional validation of hollow core fiber (HCF). The solution combines VIAVI’s advanced 8100 Series OTDR modules, optical dispersion measurement (ODM) technology, and ReportPRO software, which incorporates specialized algorithms to support the bidirectional OTDR analysis required for HCF networks.
The performance and reliability of the solution have been demonstrated through extensive validation trials conducted in collaboration with fiber manufacturers, specialist installation partners, and three major hyperscale operators.
Compared with conventional single-mode fiber, hollow core fiber delivers up to 30% lower latency, as much as 70% less chromatic dispersion, approximately 65% lower attenuation, and reduced signal distortion. These characteristics allow higher-speed data transmission over longer distances with fewer amplification requirements and minimal signal loss or errors.
Adoption of hollow core fiber is accelerating, particularly for data center interconnects between hyperscale campuses, as well as applications such as artificial intelligence workloads, high-frequency trading, quantum communications, defense, and other use cases that demand significant improvements in operational and service performance.
HCF deployments typically involve higher capital investment and more complex testing requirements due to increased manufacturing costs, specialized installation processes, and unique optical behaviors such as altered backscattering and broader spectral ranges. To safeguard these investments and ensure long-term performance—especially across medium- and long-haul links—comprehensive testing is required, including bidirectional OTDR at higher wavelengths, dispersion measurements, and attenuation profiling. However, available testing and certification solutions are limited, and systems lacking sufficient OTDR performance or relying on OTDR-based dispersion techniques are often restricted to shorter distances.
VIAVI’s offering is the first unified certification solution capable of performing bidirectional OTDR, polarization mode dispersion (PMD), chromatic dispersion (CD), and attenuation profile (AP) testing with full reporting for hollow core fiber links. Leveraging industry-leading OTDR dynamic range and non-OTDR-based dispersion measurement methods, the solution supports all HCF types—including DNANF and PBG—across short, medium, and long-reach deployments. The solution is delivered via VIAVI’s OneAdvisor 800 Fiber platform.
“Hollow core fiber enables faster data transmission over longer distances, but validating splice quality, connector loss, and overall fiber integrity demands higher-performance and specialized test approaches,” said Kevin Oliver, Vice President and General Manager, Fiber and Access Solutions at VIAVI.
“Our all-in-one solution has demonstrated strong results across short-, mid-, and long-haul links during trials with leading fiber manufacturers and hyperscalers, helping customers protect their HCF investments and secure long-term returns.”
The performance and reliability of the solution have been demonstrated through extensive validation trials conducted in collaboration with fiber manufacturers, specialist installation partners, and three major hyperscale operators.
Compared with conventional single-mode fiber, hollow core fiber delivers up to 30% lower latency, as much as 70% less chromatic dispersion, approximately 65% lower attenuation, and reduced signal distortion. These characteristics allow higher-speed data transmission over longer distances with fewer amplification requirements and minimal signal loss or errors.
Adoption of hollow core fiber is accelerating, particularly for data center interconnects between hyperscale campuses, as well as applications such as artificial intelligence workloads, high-frequency trading, quantum communications, defense, and other use cases that demand significant improvements in operational and service performance.
HCF deployments typically involve higher capital investment and more complex testing requirements due to increased manufacturing costs, specialized installation processes, and unique optical behaviors such as altered backscattering and broader spectral ranges. To safeguard these investments and ensure long-term performance—especially across medium- and long-haul links—comprehensive testing is required, including bidirectional OTDR at higher wavelengths, dispersion measurements, and attenuation profiling. However, available testing and certification solutions are limited, and systems lacking sufficient OTDR performance or relying on OTDR-based dispersion techniques are often restricted to shorter distances.
VIAVI’s offering is the first unified certification solution capable of performing bidirectional OTDR, polarization mode dispersion (PMD), chromatic dispersion (CD), and attenuation profile (AP) testing with full reporting for hollow core fiber links. Leveraging industry-leading OTDR dynamic range and non-OTDR-based dispersion measurement methods, the solution supports all HCF types—including DNANF and PBG—across short, medium, and long-reach deployments. The solution is delivered via VIAVI’s OneAdvisor 800 Fiber platform.
“Hollow core fiber enables faster data transmission over longer distances, but validating splice quality, connector loss, and overall fiber integrity demands higher-performance and specialized test approaches,” said Kevin Oliver, Vice President and General Manager, Fiber and Access Solutions at VIAVI.
“Our all-in-one solution has demonstrated strong results across short-, mid-, and long-haul links during trials with leading fiber manufacturers and hyperscalers, helping customers protect their HCF investments and secure long-term returns.”
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