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Oct 20Tue
  1. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI72

    Tencent Publishes 102.4T NPO Switch Design Specification, a Step Closer to Large-Scale Deployment?

    Tencent recently released the 102.4T NPO Switch Design Reference Specification, making public its design plans covering system architecture, chassis structure, fiber management, and software operations. The switch carries 32 3.2T NPO modules and 32 ELSFP external light source modules, providing 128 800G MPO16 optical ports. Tencent says that, compared with traditional pluggable switches, total system power consumption is reduced by about 1000W and end-to-end transmission latency by nearly 100ns.

    Why we recommend it: From switch system design to multi-source supply disagreements, the material shows the concrete tension between NPO's open, disaggregated approach and industry specifications that have yet to converge.

Oct 19Mon
  1. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI62

    CAICT's Ao Li on Optical Communications Evolution Driven by AI Computing

    Ao Li, vice president of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), said the optical communications industry is shifting from being driven by traditional telecom to being driven by AI computing, with next-generation communications networks and optical networks evolving in parallel. He noted that 1.6T is at the early commercialization stage globally, hollow-core fiber is already used for low-latency dedicated lines and cross-domain computing interconnects, and multi-core fiber is entering high-density data center cable scenarios. He expects optical circuit switching systems to form an optoelectronic hybrid architecture with electrical switching, while the relevant technology roadmaps continue to develop in parallel.

    Why we recommend it: Comparing high-speed interconnects, hollow-core and multi-core fiber, and optical switching under AI computing demand provides context for understanding the engineering pace of each optical communications pathway.

  2. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI68

    Mao Qian on Fiber Demand Shifting to Cloud Providers and Physical Supply Constraints

    Mao Qian noted that control over fiber demand has shifted from carriers to cloud providers, and preform expansion cycles make supply-demand gaps difficult to ease quickly through pricing. A report he released estimates that global optical fiber and cable demand will reach about 630 million fiber-km in 2026, while effective supply will be only 480 million to 520 million fiber-km, leaving a gap of about 110 million to 150 million fiber-km. Preform plant construction takes 18 to 24 months, and product mix shifts combined with supply constraints are pushing the industry from price competition toward value competition.

    Why we recommend it: Linking cloud provider demand with preform capacity expansion cycles explains why structural shortages can persist even when nominal capacity is ample, providing a framework for comparing different fiber categories.

  3. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI65

    Wen Ku: AI Drives Fiber Optic Cable Demand, Calls for Price Negotiation and Rational Capacity Expansion

    Speaking at the Global Optical Fiber and Cable Conference, Wen Ku said AI, computing power and data centers are reshaping fiber optic cable demand, and urged upstream and downstream players to establish long-term price negotiation mechanisms and expand capacity rationally. He noted that global fiber demand grew 4.1% in 2025, with data communications and data center-related demand up 76%, while expanding optical fiber preform capacity takes two years. Wen Ku warned that high prices could trigger a concentrated release of new capacity, recommending more long-term contracts and navigating price cycles through low-latency, low-loss, high-density technologies and diversified applications.

    Why we recommend it: Links AI-driven changes in fiber demand to the preform capacity expansion cycle and price mismatches, providing industry context for why the current boom carries risks of overcapacity.

Oct 15Thu
  1. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI67

    Silicon Photonics Chipmaker Xihe Technology Files Registration Version of STAR Market Prospectus

    Shanghai Xihe Technology has released the registration version of its STAR Market IPO prospectus, describing itself as one of the world's major suppliers of silicon photonic integrated chips. Its customers include leading optical module makers and cloud service providers, and its products are already shipping at scale into AI clusters and hyperscale data centers. According to estimates by optical module makers, at the same speed and distance, silicon photonic solutions can reduce total cost by nearly 20% and cut the volume of components within a module by nearly 30%.

    Why we recommend it: The source provides cost and volume data for silicon photonics versus discrete components, helping to understand the domestic supply chain for AI data center optical interconnects.

Oct 14Wed
  1. OFweek Optics Network · NewsOptics industryOptics and AI65

    TDK Shows Meta-Optics Reflector for Retinal Projection Smart Glasses at CEATEC

    TDK showcased at CEATEC an ultrathin meta-optics reflector designed for retinal projection smart glasses. The prototype is monochrome green with 750p resolution and a 45-degree diagonal field of view. The reflector is only 150 nanometers thick and achieves 80% visible-light transmittance. TDK plans to launch the green version by the end of 2026, a full-color version in May 2027, and mass production within a few years.

    Why we recommend it: The source article gives thickness, transmittance, field of view and mass-production timeline, enabling comparison with waveguide approaches to understand retinal projection

Oct 13Tue
  1. OFweek Optics Network · NewsOptics industryOptics and AI54

    Optical Interconnect Firm Yotai Photonics Rises 449% on Beijing Stock Exchange Debut

    Jiangsu Yotai Photonics listed on the Beijing Stock Exchange on October 9 at an issue price of 13.75 yuan per share, offering about 17.6667 million shares and raising about 243 million yuan. The share price rose 449% on its first day of trading. The company mainly produces optical modules and optical interconnect products for data centers.

  2. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI71

    NVIDIA and Cisco Jointly Define New USFP Pluggable Optical Module

    NVIDIA and Cisco jointly announced plans for the USFP (Ultra-Small Form Factor Pluggable) optical module on October 12. This high-density pluggable optical module supports 400Gb/s per lane and targets the scaling needs of next-generation AI factory networks, helping control network complexity, power consumption and cost as connection scale grows.

    Why we recommend it: The article explains the motivation behind two leading vendors jointly defining a new package form factor, helping assess the evolution of optical module formats for AI networks

Oct 12Mon
  1. OFweek Optics Network · NewsOptics industryOptics and AI65

    Kunyou Optoelectronics Completes C+ Round of Over 1 Billion Yuan; 12-Inch Wafer-Level Optics Line to Come Online in 2027

    Kunyou Optoelectronics announced the completion of a C+ round exceeding 1 billion yuan, with investors undisclosed. The company's 12-inch wafer-level optics production line in Lingang, Shanghai, built with an investment of 2 billion yuan, is expected to be completed and come online in 2027, targeting AR, fiber optics, optical communications, automotive optics and optical computing markets. This follows its C round in January 2026 and a C+ round of nearly 400 million yuan in April.

    Why we recommend it: The article lists three funding rounds this year and progress on the 12-inch wafer-level optics line, helping understand capital and capacity deployment in wafer-level optics

  2. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI55

    DSBJ passes Hong Kong Stock Exchange listing hearing, with PCB, optical chips and optical modules covering AI servers

    Suzhou Dongshan Precision Manufacturing has passed its listing hearing at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. CIC says it is the world's only supplier with capabilities in PCBs, optical chips and optical modules at the same time. These products together account for about 9% to 14% of AI server material costs, and the company is expanding in optical interconnects through Source Photonics in optical modules.

Oct 10Sat
  1. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI65

    Zhishang Technology Receives $500 Million Fiber Optic Connector Demand Forecast from PH Customer for 2027

    Shenzhen Zhishang Technology announced the signing of a 2027 Demand Forecast Cooperation Memorandum with customer PH. The customer expects to purchase MPO fiber optic patch cords and other fiber optic connectors from the company in 2027, with a forecast target value of $500 million (approximately 3.346 billion yuan). C114 believes optical interconnect demand has expanded from optical modules and optical fiber cables to upstream optical components.

    Why we recommend it: The article gives a $500 million connector demand forecast from a single customer, directly showing how AI optical interconnect demand is flowing upstream to components

Oct 9Fri
  1. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI67

    Lumentum CEO: 2029 Capacity Almost Fully Booked

    Lumentum CEO Michael Hurlston said in an interview in Tokyo that about 70% of demand for some products will remain unmet next year, while other products still face a 30% demand gap through 2028. The company's 2029 capacity is almost fully booked, and it is ramping production at full speed.

    Why we recommend it: The article provides specific demand gap percentages, directly reflecting the tightness of laser chips upstream in AI optical communications

Oct 8Thu
  1. OFweek Laser Network · NewsOptics industryOptics and AI53

    Lumentum Capacity Under Strain: What Businesses Beyond EML and CW Lasers Drive Its Strength

    An article by Haitun Jun continues the breakdown of Lumentum: EML secures the core profit base of pluggable optical transceivers, while high-power discrete lasers, UHP CW, bet on next-generation CPO/NPO architectures. With supply and demand severely mismatched for high-end laser chips, leading manufacturers with in-house capacity simultaneously benefit from price increases, long-term orders and rising gross margins.

  2. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI65

    LightCounting: Ethernet optical module market forecast to grow 120% in 2026

    LightCounting's latest report says growth in the Ethernet optical module market was originally expected to slow in 2026, but data from the first nine months defied expectations: cloud provider capital expenditures accelerated sharply from late January to early February and remained strong over the following six months. The full-year Ethernet optical module market is now forecast to grow 120%.

    Why we recommend it: The original article explains that the forecast revision was driven by cloud provider capital expenditures, helping to gauge the scale of AI-driven optical module demand

Sep 30Wed
  1. OFweek Optics Network · NewsOptics industryOptics and AI56

    Yutong Optics array-molded C-Lens reaches monthly deliveries in the tens of millions

    Yutong Optics disclosed on September 30 that it has introduced glass aspherical array molding technology into C-Lens manufacturing, completing the path from process validation to monthly output in the tens of millions and entering scaled scheduling and shipment. The company operates more than 600 sets of precision molding automation equipment and over 30 imported automatic coating machines, with a stable first-pass yield above 85 percent. Its products have been recognized by leading optical module customers.

Sep 29Tue
Sep 28Mon
  1. OFweek Laser Network · NewsOptics industryOptics and AI53

    From Optical Interconnect Veteran to All-Round Enabler, What Makes Lumentum Special?

    An article by Dolphin Research breaks down Lumentum: its share price has risen nearly tenfold in one year, its market value exceeds 70 billion US dollars, and Nvidia invested 2 billion US dollars for a stake in March 2026. The article argues that no matter how optical module form factors change, the position of high-value, barrier-protected optical engines remains solid.

Sep 27Sun
  1. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI53

    Huiyu Ecology Subsidiary Junheng Technology Expands Wuhan Optical Module Base, Adding 2 Million Units of Capacity

    Huiyu Ecology announced that its majority-owned subsidiary Wuhan Junheng Technology plans to build an R&D and production base in the Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone, replacing and upgrading its existing annual capacity of 1.5 million units. Once completed, the project will add 2 million units of optical module capacity.

  2. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI63

    Hengtong Optic-Electric Plans to Raise CNY 6.636 Billion for Next-Generation Optical Fiber and AI Optical Interconnect

    Hengtong Optic-Electric has released a private placement plan to raise up to CNY 6.636 billion for next-generation optical fiber R&D and production, construction of high-end optical new materials in Inner Mongolia, and advanced AI optical interconnect projects. The issuance will target no more than 35 investors.

    Why we recommend it: The original article lists the investment directions, helping to understand the optical fiber leader's spending on AI optical interconnect

Sep 25Fri
  1. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI56

    Photon Bridge CCO: Tackling Mass-Production Bottlenecks for External Light Sources in AI Optical Interconnects

    In an exclusive interview with C114, Photon Bridge's Chief Commercial Officer discusses the interconnect bandwidth pressure created by expanding AI compute clusters and the role of integrated photonics in breaking through optical module power and density limits, with a focus on the mass-production challenges of external light sources (ELS) and the Dutch integrated photonics ecosystem.

Sep 24Thu
  1. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI43

    Hengtong Highlights Optoelectronic Technologies Powering AI Computing at PT Expo 2026

    Under the theme "Strong Networks, Thriving Computing, Intelligent Ecosystem," PT Expo 2026 saw Hengtong Optic-Electric showcase optical fiber, optical interconnect and other optoelectronic solutions for AI computing, supporting the implementation of the "AI + Information and Communications" policy.

Sep 22Tue
  1. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI61

    LightCounting: NPO Is Hot, but Pluggables Remain the Market Mainstay

    LightCounting's latest quarterly report says NPO dominated much of the discussion at the recent CIOE, much like the industry's enthusiasm for LPO a few years ago. However, sales of retimed pluggable optical modules continue to hit new highs, with Ethernet optical modules accounting for the majority of overall sales.

    Why we recommend it: The original article contrasts sales data with the hype, helping to gauge the real pace of NPO and pluggable optical modules

Sep 21Mon
  1. OFweek Optics Network · NewsOptics industryOptics and AI65

    Huawei Teams Up with Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics on AI + Optics; Ascend 960 SuperPod Uses NPO

    Huawei and the Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics have signed a strategic cooperation agreement, making AI + optics a core focus, with Huawei pledging priority support in computing resources and AI teams. Earlier, on September 17, Huawei unveiled the Ascend 960 superpod using near-package optics (NPO) at Huawei Connect 2026, employing 5,500 in-house Hi-ONE optical engines.

    Why we recommend it: The source text places the industry-academia partnership alongside the NPO superpod, showing Huawei's overall strategy in optical interconnects and AI optics

  2. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI49

    C114 and CIOE Hold AI + New Optical Fiber Applications Forum

    C114 and CIOE jointly held the AI + New Optical Fiber Applications Forum in Shenzhen on September 11. The event focused on high-density optical interconnects for AIDC, G.654.E backbone deployment and hollow-core fiber, with guests from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, the three major telecom operators and cloud providers in attendance.

Sep 20Sun
  1. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI56

    CIOE's Hidden Star: Optical Interconnect Testing Gets Repriced

    C114 Insight notes that at CIOE 2026, optical module makers are competing on 1.6T, 3.2T and 6.4T speeds, while test and measurement is another crowded arena. Lianxun Instruments, which listed on the STAR Market this April, saw its shares reach a high of 2777.77 yuan within three months of its debut, making it the most expensive stock on the A-share market. The company supplies test equipment for optical modules and CPO optical engines.

  2. OFweek Optics Network · NewsOptics industryOptics and AI59

    Thin-Film Lithium Niobate Company Xili Photonics Completes Pre-A Round Worth Over 100 Million Yuan

    Xili Photonics has completed a Pre-A round of financing worth over 100 million yuan, led by Futu Capital, with participation from the Shanghai Future Industry Fund and others. The funds will be used for R&D on thin-film lithium niobate photonic chips and system-on-chip integration technology, product iteration and the construction of a wafer production line.

  3. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI61

    CIOE 2026 Observations: Why NPO Is the Optimal Choice for Cloud Giants

    The 27th CIOE drew nearly 190,000 visits over three days, up 32% year on year. NPO (near-package optics) products from major domestic optical module makers made a concentrated appearance. NPO moves the optical engine from the switch front panel to near the ASIC package without soldering it to the switch chip, balancing power consumption and serviceability.

    Why we recommend it: The source text explains the trade-offs of NPO versus CPO and pluggables, helping to understand cloud vendors' selection logic

Sep 18Fri
  1. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI53

    China Telecom's Zhang Dezhi: The 50G-PON Industry Chain Is Fully Mature

    Zhang Dezhi, director of the optical access network center at China Telecom Research Institute, told the CIOE forum that the 50G-PON industry chain is fully mature and AI-based intrinsic intelligence in optical access networks is developing rapidly. He also outlined the path for upgrading the massive installed base of EPON terminals to 10 Gbit/s.

Sep 17Thu
Sep 16Wed
  3. C114 Communications Network · Optical CommunicationsOptics industryOptics and AI55

    Alibaba Cloud's Chen Qin: NPO Is the Optimal Solution; Next Year's Optical Module Deployments Will Exceed the All-Time Total

    Chen Qin of Alibaba Cloud outlined the evolution from 3.2T NPO to 6.4-12.8T UPO at the CIOE forum, saying that next year's optical module deployments will exceed the cumulative total of all previous years.

Sep 14Mon
Sep 10Thu
Sep 9Wed