WEBINAR

Hollow-Core Fiber: A Disruptive Shift in Optical Networking

Gain valuable insights from industry experts and get your questions answered in real time. Register now!

February 18, 2026

6:00 PM UTC

1 hour

Sponsored by

February 18th, 2026

1:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM CT / 10:00 AM PT / 5:00 PM GMT

Duration: 1 hour

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A certificate of attendance will be offered.

Summary

As AI-driven applications reshape data center and interconnect architectures, the industry is exploring new ways to overcome the physical limits of conventional single-mode fiber. Hollow-core fiber (HCF), which guides light through an air-filled core rather than solid glass, represents a fundamental shift in how optical networks can be designed to reduce latency and support extreme bandwidth demands.

While the benefits of HCF are gaining attention, its adoption also raises important questions across the ecosystem: from manufacturing complexity and spectral characteristics to mechanical robustness and operational readiness. These differences challenge long-established assumptions about how fiber networks are tested, validated, and maintained.

This webinar brings together ecosystem experts to examine what makes hollow-core fiber different, where its real-world challenges lie, and what needs to change to make it operationally viable at scale. From early deployments to hyperscaler requirements, the discussion will highlight how collaboration across fiber manufacturers, network operators, and solution providers is essential to accelerate adoption.

We will also discuss how testing and validation approaches must adapt to the unique characteristics of HCF, supporting performance verification, fault identification, and efficient deployment as the technology transitions from innovation into operational networks.

Key topics include:

What differentiates hollow-core fiber from conventional single-mode fiber
Key challenges impacting HCF deployment and operations
How testing methodologies must evolve for hollow-core environments
Best practices for validating performance and transmission quality
New approaches to fault identification and troubleshooting

Speakers

Jason Eichenholz

CEO & Founder

Relativity Networks

Jason Eichenholz is a serial entrepreneur, executive, philanthropist, and recognized pioneer in laser and optics enabled innovation, product development and commercialization. Over the past two decades he has founded multiple companies that raised over a billion dollars of investor funding, took Luminar public on Nasdaq, and is the current CEO and founder of Relativity Networks. When he’s not reshaping industries, Jason dedicates himself to serving others — both as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, and through his greatest passion: the Jonathan's Landing Foundation, a non-profit creating a comprehensive community for adults across the autism spectrum.

Gwenn Amice

Subject Matter Expert

EXFO

Gwenn Amice is a Subject Matter Expert at EXFO, where he specializes in next-generation optical networks. In his current role, Gwenn provides technical seminars, training, and support to EXFO's customers, helping them navigate the complex landscape of optical network technology. He also offers technical advice to customers, leveraging his deep expertise to help them overcome any challenges they may encounter. Since 2019, Gwenn has also served as a Senior Member of Technical Staff, representing EXFO at industry events and working closely with product development groups to ensure that EXFO's solutions remain at the cutting edge of the field. With 28 years of experience in the entire lifecycle of telecom networks, Gwenn brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at EXFO. He holds a university degree in electrical engineering and industrial computing and is a passionate advocate for continued learning and growth.

Moderator

Sean Buckley

Editor in Chief

Lightwave

Sean is responsible for establishing and executing the editorial strategy of Lightwave across its website, email newsletters, events, and other information products.