Hollow glass fiber transmits internet with 1,000x greater capacity

Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed a novel hollow glass fiber that transmits internet signals through air-filled channels rather than solid glass cores. This design significantly reduces signal loss, allowing light to travel more efficiently over longer distances—extending the range before losing half the signal from 15–20 kilometers in conventional fibers to about 33 kilometers. The hollow fibers can carry over 1,000 times the power of traditional fibers and support a broader spectrum of wavelengths, including single-photon pulses used in quantum communication, making the technology promising for both current internet infrastructure and emerging quantum networks. The fiber’s unique structure consists of five small cylinders with nested cylinders arranged precisely to confine specific light wavelengths within the hollow core, preventing signal leakage. Manufacturing challenges have been addressed by starting with a large glass preform containing the hollow channels, which is then stretched while pressurized to maintain the geometry. Commercial production is underway through Lumenisity, a Southampton spin-off acquired by Microsoft in 2022, highlighting