- MicroLED and Hollow Core Fiber are two British inventions revolutionizing Microsoft data centers
- MicroLED sits between fiber and copper for short to medium length connections
- HCF can be used over longer distances to connect clients to data centers
In response to ever-increasing demand for AI and cloud services, which are putting pressure on existing data center network infrastructure, Microsoft says new technologies developed in the UK are helping it prepare for a more efficient future.
Two key technologies developed in the UK – MicroLED optical array and hollow fiber (HCF) – are now being used at scale by Microsoft to improve energy and cost efficiency across the board, and they are not just used in Britain.
The company said these British inventions help it overcome current limitations in network infrastructure, including power, distance and reliability.
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British inventions help Microsoft data centers
As a result, data center customers around the world benefit from faster, lower latency services.
MicroLED is used to replace traditional laser optical components, promising up to 50% lower power consumption than current systems and longer lifespan. Mainly used in data centers to connect servers and GPUs, this technology is more reliable and less sensitive to heat and dust than laser systems.
Microsoft explained that current data centers use fiber optic cable for longer distances and copper cable for closer connections within two meters. MicroLED bridges the gap, matching the reliability and cost-effectiveness of copper, but matching the longer distances served by fiber optics.
“This advancement has the potential to change almost every aspect of IT infrastructure… starting with high-bandwidth optical cables,” wrote Doug Burger, technical researcher and vice president of Microsoft Research.
As Microsoft prepares to deploy MicroLED, the company has already deployed HCF in its Azure regions. By transmitting data through air instead of glass, it delivers speeds up to 47% faster and approximately 33% lower latency than standard fiber, enabling connections over longer distances with less performance loss.
HCF is intended for longer distances – connecting customers to data centers – unlike MicroLED which will primarily be used within the data center.
“Hollow Core allows us to expand this data center and Azure region service area,” added Frank Rey, general manager of Azure Hyperscale Networking.
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