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Last week at OFC 2025, AusOptic had the opportunity to witness firsthand how Lightera, the newly rebranded OFC and Furukawa Electric company, is positioning itself at the forefront of optical technology.

With the rapid growth of AI workloads and data centres, optical fibre technologies must evolve at an unprecedented pace to meet the urgent need for high-fibre density solutions that provide both high capacity and ultra-low latency. Companies at the forefront of innovation, such as Lightera, are shaping the future of network infrastructure with advancements in hollow core fibre, multi-core fibre, and high-density fibre bundles.

Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., a key supplier to AusOptic and renowned manufacturer of FITEL fusion splicers, has announced the integration of its optical fibre cable operations under a new brand name: Lightera™. This strategic rebranding, which took effect on April 1, 2025 (and is no April fools joke), marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of one of the world's leading optical fibre manufacturers.

Over three decades ago, when optical communication was commercially adopted, it relied on two main technologies: wireless Free Space Optical (FSO) transmission and fiber optic technology, which used physical wires. Since the 1990s, optical fiber technology has seen significant advancements in distance, bandwidth, speed, reliability, and other improvements that have contributed to its widespread adoption.

A live traffic identifier for fibre is an advanced yet straightforward instrument engineered specifically for maintaining and installing fibre optic networks. It operates by identifying optical fibres through the detection of signals travelling through single-mode fibres.

The FITEL S185 Series of Fusion Splicers marks a big step forward in specialty fibre splicing tech. These high-end tools handle a broad range of industry jobs, from basic fibres to tricky polarisation-maintaining and large-diameter fibres. In this post, we'll look at the features all models share, what makes each one special, and how different industries put them to work.

Free Space Optical (FSO) communication has come a long way! Here we look at the revolutionary advancements in FSO technology by OFS and Furukawa Electric, including state-of-the-art fibre solutions like the VLMA Erbium-Doped Fibre Amplifier Module, Raman Fibre Laser Module, and Erbium-Ytterbium Optical Fibre. Stay ahead in the future of high-speed, secure, and efficient data transmission.

To accelerate the commercialization of Multi-Core Fiber (MCF), a strategy is to use the same cladding diameter as conventional 125um single-mode fibers commonly used in optical telecommunication systems. In a recent study, researchers were able to achieve a splice loss of 0.07 dB for a 4-core fiber by using a 2-electrode fusion splicer.

YOFC’s recent field trials with major telecom operators in China have set new global benchmarks for data transmission speed, capacity, and latency reduction. Hollow core fibre has significant potential to shape the next generation of fibre transmission in the era of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.

Discover the advancements in hollow core fibre technology and the FITEL S185 series splicers, enabling ultra-fast, low-latency data transmission with precise splicing solutions.The FITEL S185 Series of Fusion Splicers marks a big step forward in specialty fibre splicing tech. These high-end tools handle a broad range of industry jobs, from basic fibres to tricky polarisation-maintaining and large-diameter fibres. In this post, we'll look at the features all models share, what makes each one special, and how different industries put them to work.

Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.’s FITEL Fusion Splicers have been at the forefront of fibre technology for more than four decades. Furukawa’s state-of-the-art fusion splicers are renowned for their  low splice loss performance, high splice strength, and exceptional accuracy, making them the preferred choice for telecommunications, fibre lasers, and sensing applications. From handheld core alignment models to ribbon splicers, FITEL's comprehensive range offers solutions for diverse applications in telecom infrastructure and data centres. These devices feature user-friendly 4.3-inch touchscreens and advanced calibration systems that adjust for environmental factors like altitude, humidity, and temperature.

Introducing the new FITEL S154-AC fusion splicer from Furukawa, specifically designed for the installation of FTTx and data centres. Optimal for the Installation of Splice-on Connectors.

Discover how Hollow Core Fibre technology is revolutionizing global communications by enabling faster data transmission through air, with real-world applications in 5G, financial trading, and more.

Introducing the new FITEL S185EDV with End View system, designed for splicing fibres with complex internal structures like Hollow Core and PCF. The Dual Mirror System provides detailed cross-sectional images of the fibers, giving users more control and precision in splicing.

The S185 Fusion Splicer Series gains new functionality with the introduction of the Furukawa Electric 'FiberBank'. This free online service allows users to load custom splice recipes, further optomising splicing routines for specific fiber types. 

Explore solutions for testing, inspecting, cleaning, splicing, and polishing MPO/MTP connectors. Enhance network reliability with advanced tools and best practices.

The Ericsson Fusion Splicers have reached their end of life, leading to discontinued support and spare parts. Clients still using Ericsson fusion splicers are encouraged to discuss transition plans, as the FITEL S185 series represents the next generation of fusion splicing technology.

Global bandwidth needs keep rising, and optical technology must adapt to keep up. Hollow core fibre (HCF) stands out as a promising new tech. It sends light through air instead of a solid glass core. This basic change brings big performance gains in cutting down delay.

Stephen Hardy, who edits Lightwave talked with Daryl Ennis, who leads New Business Growth at OFS, and Brian Mangan, a tech expert there. They discussed how OFS is leading the way with its AccuCore HCF cable.