Since ushering in the telecommunications revolution with the invention of low-loss optical fiber in 1970, Corning has been continually innovating to increase the speed and capacity of optical fiber networks, while providing innovations that make deployment easier and more cost effective. Today, we are delivering optical communications solutions for growing segments like outdoor and indoor 5G networks, and hyperscale data centers.
Transforming the way the world connects
A Seamless Flow of Data
A Seamless Flow of Data
The need for data continues to skyrocket, doubling every few years, but current infrastructures have not kept pace with consumer demand. Corning’s optical fiber-based solutions keep communication flowing for consumers and businesses who want fast, reliable connection to the world anywhere, anytime. Because of these optical communications technologies, people have greater access to video, voice, and information than ever before. But it’s not enough. Consumers want to exchange data in the blink of an eye, especially as they do more virtually and online than ever before. Corning is responding with market-leading innovations for 5G-ready networks and powerful hyperscale data centers, making slow speeds and dropped calls a thing of the past.
Today, many are preparing for 5G. Corning has been preparing for 5G networks for the last 50 years. Since the invention of optical fiber in 1970 by three Corning scientists, Corning has been on an innovation path to realize the faster and more reliable connectivity that today’s networks require. The future of 5G networks depends on the fiber-optic technology invented by Corning.
Outdoors, the shift from 3G and 4G to the 5G future requires densification – the deployment of more and more optical fiber. Achieving the speed and availability benefits of 5G necessities signals that travel shorter distances than 3G and 4G, putting new demands on the infrastructure. Evolv™ Hardened Connectivity Solutions is a new Corning innovation, extending 5G to more places, such as parks and city centers.
Bringing fiber closer to the end-user is not the only challenge. With 80% of mobile traffic originating or terminating indoors, 5G wavelengths must penetrate physical barriers – like walls. Corning gladly accepted the challenge, bringing to market its elegant 5G small-cell solution.
Furthermore, the data centers of tomorrow also rely on our fiber optic cabling solutions, and we’re developing glass technologies that make switches, routers, and servers with optical-to-the-chip a reality.
Industry Leadership in Optical Communications
Solutions for Next-Generation Optical Networks
This Strand of Glass
This Strand of Glass
CONNECTS US ALL
In 2020, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the invention of low-loss optical fiber — an innovation that has transformed the way we connect and that lies at the cornerstone of our communications revolution. In a Corning lab on a Friday afternoon over five decades ago, a single strand of glass and a bright spot of light set the world on an epic path of continuous innovation.
Optical fiber shapes the networks that connect us to each other, today - and to the boundless possibilities of tomorrow. Whether you're making a phone call across the world, downloading a video on your tablet, or reading this article right now, optical fiber delivers the streamlined connectivity needed in today's high-speed world.
Read more about 50 years of optical fiber innovation at Corning.
Our Strategic Advantage in Optical Communications Technologies
Our Strategic Advantage in Optical Communications
Corning’s optical communications solutions are a prime example of our strategy. They leverage our best-in-the-world expertise in three core technologies, as well as four expert manufacturing and engineering platforms. We’re also using fusion, one of our four manufacturing and engineering platforms, to create new interconnects for high-speed switches, routers, and servers.
Learn how Corning leverages its focused portfolio to uniquely address the Optical Communications market.
Expertise in Glass
Expertise in Glass
Corning relies on its expertise in glass science to continually re-invent optical fiber, as well as create new applications, deliver higher performance, and reduce cost.
Corning relies on its expertise in glass science to continually re-invent optical fiber, as well as create new applications, deliver higher performance, and reduce cost.
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Precision Forming Process
Precision Forming Process
Corning applies precision forming to make optical connectors that align hair-thin fibers perfectly and eliminate the need for splices.
Corning applies precision forming to make optical connectors that align hair-thin fibers perfectly and eliminate the need for splices.
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Expertise in Optical Physics
Expertise in Optical Physics
With its expertise in optical physics, Corning has the ability to characterize and control the path of light in integrated optical solutions.
With its expertise in optical physics, Corning has the ability to characterize and control the path of light in integrated optical solutions.
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The Fusion Process
The Fusion Process
Corning is repurposing its proprietary fusion process, developed for LCD glass manufacturing, to create new glass interconnects for high-speed switches, routers, and servers.
Corning is repurposing its proprietary fusion process, developed for LCD glass manufacturing, to create new glass interconnects for high-speed switches, routers, and servers.
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Vapor Deposition
Vapor Deposition
Our vapor deposition process is essential to producing fiber. It makes glass so pure that if it replaced the water in the ocean, you could see the bottom clearly from any point on the surface.
Our vapor deposition process is essential to producing fiber. It makes glass so pure that if it replaced the water in the ocean, you could see the bottom clearly from any point on the surface.
Learn MoreFeatured Optical Communications Stories
To Make the 5G Wireless Dream Come True, Bring It Indoors
To Make the 5G Wireless Dream Come True, Bring It Indoors
Learn More5G wireless is coming, and it will be something like a miracle. But it won’t be such a miracle if it doesn’t work indoors. It’s a challenging problem and one Corning is first to solve.
5G wireless is coming, and it will be something like a miracle. But it won’t be such a miracle if it doesn’t work indoors. It’s a challenging problem and one Corning is first to solve.
The Journey to 1 Billion
The Journey to 1 Billion
Read MoreCorning Incorporated announced a significant milestone – delivering its 1 billionth kilometer of optical fiber. The company celebrated with an event on September 28, 2017, at its optical fiber manufacturing facility in Wilmington, North Carolina, the world’s first optical fiber manufacturing facility which today remains one of the world’s largest.
Corning Incorporated announced a significant milestone – delivering its 1 billionth kilometer of optical fiber. The company celebrated with an event on September 28, 2017, at its optical fiber manufacturing facility in Wilmington, North Carolina, the world’s first optical fiber manufacturing facility which today remains one of the world’s largest.
Connecting Indian Communities with Corning Technology
Connecting Indian Communities with Corning Technology
Read MoreIndia is the second largest smartphone market in the world with 300 million users across the country. Nearly 1.3 billion people are densely spread throughout the geography, making connectivity both difficult and in-demand.
India is the second largest smartphone market in the world with 300 million users across the country. Nearly 1.3 billion people are densely spread throughout the geography, making connectivity both difficult and in-demand.