HUBER+SUHNER strengthens collaboration with Microsoft
23.04.2026 | from Huber+Suhner AG
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23.04.2026, HUBER+SUHNER announces plans to strengthen its already close collaboration with Microsoft Azure Fiber by investing further in production capacities to accelerate the rollout of Hollow Core Fiber (HCF) cable and connectivity solutions for cloud and AI infrastructures. As part of the collaboration, HUBER+SUHNER expects production volumes to increase gradually with the deployment of HCF in additional Microsoft Azure regions.
Since 2017, HUBER+SUHNER has been working closely with the Azure team (formerly Lumenisity, a spin-out from the University of Southampton) in Romsey, United Kingdom, to develop and manufacture innovative HCF cable and connector solutions. These solutions are already deployed in the Azure network. Higher capacity variants, which are expected to promote the future scaling of Microsoft’s HCF-supported cloud infrastructure, are in development.
HUBER+SUHNER and Microsoft have designed a range of robust cable systems for both outside plant (OSP) and inside plant (ISP) applications, and have certified them for field deployment. In tandem, they are jointly advancing the development of the next generation of HCF cables with higher fiber densities to meet future requirements of the Azure network. Special processes have been implemented at HUBER+SUHNER's production facility in Herisau, Switzerland, to integrate HCF into stranded Multi Loose Tube (MLT) cables, with capacity for expanded production as Microsoft’s ecosystem partners increase fiber production.
Furthermore, HUBER+SUHNER has developed an innovative HCF connector specifically designed to meet the demands of hyperscale and metro network environments. These patented HCF connectors are in serial production at HUBER+SUHNER Cube Optics in Mainz, Germany. The company continues to invest in expanding manufacturing capacities to meet growing demand. With qualified designs in HCF cables and connectors, HUBER+SUHNER enhances its HCF product portfolio to offer fully integrated end-to-end connectivity solutions.
Long-standing collaboration “HUBER+SUHNER is proud to support Microsoft in scaling HCF connectivity solutions for widespread deployment. Building on our strengths in innovation and quality, we expect further developments in our HCF connectivity portfolio as usage increases,” says Jürgen Walter, COO Communication Segment at HUBER+SUHNER. “We are excited to shape the future of cloud connectivity together and unlock the full potential of HCF.”
“We value the long-standing collaboration with HUBER+SUHNER, which has helped us advance HCF technology from research to operational deployment within the Microsoft Azure network,” says Colin Wallace, GM Cloud Network Engineering at Microsoft Azure. “The HCF cable and connector technologies are already in use, transmitting live data traffic over Azure HCF connections today. The integrated capabilities will help us quickly develop and scale connectivity solutions for future cloud and AI network infrastructures.”
Why HCF matters The performance of optical networks can be fundamentally changed by HCF. With light guided in air rather than glass, data transmission can be up to 47% faster, enabling low-latency communication both within and between data centers.
Microsoft's Double Nested Anti Resonant Nodeless Fiber (DNANF) achieves record low attenuation levels and significantly higher coupling efficiency than conventional Single Mode Fibers (SMF), reducing or even eliminating the need for optical amplification in metro networks.
The deployment of a fully HCF-supported network offers significant economic advantages for next-generation data centers, including greater flexibility in location to reduce energy and site costs, as well as higher efficiency in distributed AI training due to lower latency between compute clusters.
Managing HCF connectivity challenges To achieve broad adoption of HCF, several practical challenges must be overcome. In addition to robust cable designs that provide low-loss transmission properties, connection solutions are required that protect the HCF fiber end face and integrate seamlessly into existing SMF infrastructures and devices, enabling large-scale construction and operation of end-to-end communication systems.
HUBER+SUHNER's high-performance HCF connectors convert light from the HCF core for standardized SMF LC/UPC and LC/APC connector interfaces with low loss and low return reflection, while reliably sealing the sensitive hollow core microstructure from environmental influences. Designed for high optical performance, HUBER+SUHNER's HCF connectors allow easy installation and commissioning of HCF transmission systems.
Media contact:
HUBER+SUHNER AG
Christiane Jelinek
Chief Communications Officer
Tumbelenstrasse 20
8330 Pfäffikon ZH
Switzerland
+41 44 952 25 60
pressoffice@hubersuhner.com
hubersuhner.com
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Huber+Suhner AG
The HUBER+SUHNER Group is a leading international supplier of components and systems for electrical and optical connectivity technologies for the communication, industrial, and transportation markets.
We possess core competencies in the fields of radio frequency, fiber optics, and low- frequency technology. Operating globally, we develop and manufacture top-quality products in close collaboration with our customers.
Our motto is 'Excellence in Connectivity Solutions.' Our core services include a high-quality and broad product range as well as consistently high quality and fast, flexible, and reliable worldwide service.
We focus on challenging applications where we can differentiate ourselves with valuable added services such as special product functionalities, customer- specific innovations, engineering, or other services.
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Source: Huber+Suhner AG, Press release
Original article published on: HUBER+SUHNER stärkt die Zusammenarbeit mit Microsoft