1. Co-packaged optics, linear pluggable optics and the race to 1.6T

If you track only one theme this year, make it the industry’s push from 800Gbit/s towards 1.6Tbit/s and even 3.2Tbit/s – and the packaging and device innovation required to make that leap viable. Advancements in linear pluggable optics (LPOs), co-packaged optics (CPOs), and vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) are becoming essential for reducing energy per bit inside AI-scale data centers.

At the same time, coherent pluggable modules and open line systems are reshaping data center interconnectivity (DCI), unlocking scale-across connectivity at 800Gbit/s and beyond. Rather than being constrained to a single facility – where power and cooling limits quickly become binding – cloud providers can now build large, purpose-designed AI giga-factories across multiple sites.

Expect to see 800Gbit/s and 1.6Tbit/s validations, 224G SerDes discussions, and debate over when CPO and near-package optics (NPO) finally tip from “demo” to deployment. And make sure to stop by the OIF interoperability showcases.

2. From data-driven intelligence to “self-driving” networks

The progress in AI has been so astonishingly fast that keeping up with the pace of innovation has become a challenge in itself. Advances span everything from ever-more capable large language models (LLMs) to emerging agentic frameworks and multi-agent collaboration. Innovation is accelerating across the entire stack.

In network operations, AI is already being applied to predict network health, localize faults and optimize network utilization. LLMs are poised to provide human-friendly conversational interfaces for operators, while agentic frameworks will automate routine and repetitive tasks. 

The overarching narrative at OFC 2026 is clear: AI is becoming the optimization loop around everything – from photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design and fiber manufacturing to real‑time network operations. Expect a range of technical sessions and short courses covering AI‑driven methods, along with thoughtful debates on persistent challenges such as hallucinations, security, explainability and trustworthiness.

AI is rapidly becoming the optimization loop around everything from photonics design to network operations.

Hollow core fiber (HCF) has been labeled “future tech” for years; OFC 2026 now treats it as an ecosystem question rather than a lab curiosity. Dedicated conference sessions will explore design, simulation, deployment and interoperability. New partnerships among fiber manufacturers – along with growing calls for standardization – signal an accelerated path toward commercialization and volume production.

With their combination of low dispersion, low loss, low nonlinearity and high bandwidth, HCFs are emerging as strong candidates for next‑generation regional and long‑haul systems, enabling more optimized architectures than conventional solid‑core fiber allows. And with several new HCF announcements and demonstrations expected on the exhibit floor, this feels like the moment when HCF finally converges with mainstream system and network discussions.

4. Satellite laser links and optical networks in the sky

Beyond the data center ceiling, OFC 2026 will lean hard into space as the next optical frontier. Special programming will cover a plenary talk on optical satellite communication, a panel on standards for interoperability and a symposium on architectures and technologies for space-based optical networks. Additional topics span turbulence mitigation, ground-station diversity and optical space–terrestrial integration. For anyone tracking 6G, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) or sovereign satellite constellations, OFC is becoming a key venue for understanding how space optics, ground segments and terrestrial backbones are co-evolving.

Looking ahead to OFC 2026 

The four trends above paint a clear picture of where the industry is heading: faster optics pushing toward multi‑terabit speeds, AI‑driven automation reshaping network operations, hollow‑core fiber moving from concept to commercialization, and space‑based optical links emerging as the next frontier. Together, they outline a rapid evolution towards larger scale, greater energy efficiency and more automation.

At OFC 2026, we’ll be a big part of these conversations – engaging with peers and customers through live technology demos, speaking events and conversations on the show floor. 

To discover more about what we’re bringing to the world’s biggest optical network event this year and to arrange a meeting with our team of experts, visit our dedicated OFC 2026 page.