This article shares key developments and progress made by Microsoft with our Hollow Core Fiber (HCF) technology. We share elements and performance metrics for HCF deployments into Azure's network, focused primarily on our latest installation enabling metro DC interconnection - larger than any other deployment of HCF to date. It highlights the ecosystem we have developed to create the components necessary for successful deployment and operations of end-to-end HCF solutions. We outline installation activities, testing requirements and link performance which all demonstrate our technology's proven performance and compatibility. The results show the stability of our route and that HCF is as reliable as conventional fiber in the network. HCF technology will ensure Azure can better serve its customers by allowing us to continue to grow and expand our global infrastructure, while also creating a higher capacity, more resilient and overall faster network to meet the growing demands of Cloud and AI services.
Co-authors: Jamie Gaudette, Frank Rey, Tony Pearson, Russell Ellis, Chris Badgley and Arsalan Saljoghei
In the evolving Cloud and AI landscape, Microsoft is deploying state-of-the-art Hollow Co...
Updated May 28, 2025
Version 4.0
CharlotteForster
Microsoft
Microsoft