“The researchers expect that it will use about 50% less energy than mainstream laser-based optical cables, based on the team’s lab tests of the new system,” the company said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The more efficient alternative to data transmission cables is expected to be commercialised with Microsoft’s data centre partners in late 2027, with considerable savings in the cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Processor maker MediaTek joined Microsoft in the research and development of the new cables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MediaTek corporate vice president Vince Hu explained<\/a> that the innovation was created specifically to be fast-tracked to data centres globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “By miniaturising MicroLED technology and integrating it into transceivers that are compatible with current data center equipment, the industry can transition to the new technology seamlessly,” he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of lasers, researchers explained that the new technology uses inexpensive, commonly available microLEDs and cables. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Known as “imaging fibre,” these cables look like standard fibre but contain thousands of cores. Imaging fibre cables are already in use in medicine for procedures like endoscopy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The fibre-optic cables used in data centres currently carry information using light across large distances and at high speeds, but as distances increase, so do energy costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Microsoft explained that the new cables largely resolve this limitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “MicroLEDs can cover tens of meters, are more reliable than fibre optical cables fed by lasers, which are vulnerable to temperature changes and even dust; and use much less energy,” researchers said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Doug Burger, technical fellow and corporate vice president at Microsoft Research, said that the breakthrough in the new cables “has the potential to change nearly every aspect of computing infrastructure.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is planning to use the cables to deliver Azure cloud services “in the fastest and most efficient way.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n Microsoft is planning to combine the new microLED cables with another novel technology already in use, known as “Hollow Core Fibre” or HCF, developed in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of carrying photons in the fibre, HCF carries signals in a hollow core, through air, which allows light to propagate even faster, decreasing latency and increasing speeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Microsoft said HCF delivers 47% faster data transmission and around 33% lower latency compared to conventional single-mode fibre over the same distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Microsoft South Africa launched enterprise-grade data centres in Johannesburg and Cape Town in 2020, and has since seen a surge in Azure adoption across the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cloud computing would quickly become essential for South African companies during subsequent hard lockdowns and disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMicrosoft partners in South Africa to benefit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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