Coherent Solutions

The Future of AI Depends on Connectivity – Connectivity Depends on Coherent

As AI systems become larger, faster, and more interconnected, data movement is becoming just as critical as data processing. AI runs on compute, but it scales on connectivity. Coherent/Finisar is a leader in photonics and optical networking placing them at the center of enabling next-generation infrastructure.

Why Coherent / Finisar

  • Manufacturing Scale and US Expansion – Meeting the growing demand for AI infrastructure requires more than technological innovation. It also requires advanced manufacturing capacity capable of producing critical components at scale. Coherent’s manufacturing facility in Sherman Texas serves as one of the world’s most advanced manufacturing facilities for optical technologies. Coherent is currently building to double its manufacturing footprint from 70,000 square feet to 140,000 square feet supporting over 1,000 direct and indirect advanced manufacturing, engineering and technical positions.

  • Strategic Alliances and Partnerships – Coherent and NVIDIA have formalized a strategic partnership to engineer and manufacture advanced optics technologies to enable next-generation AI infrastructure.

  • Deep Vertical Integration – Controls production across the entire value chain — from raw compound semiconductor materials and components to complex subsystems and finished laser systems to ensure quality, consistency and performance.

  • Global Leader – With over 35 years of experience, Coherent is a global leader in photonic and laser technologies to deliver high quality, highly reliable, and scalable solutions to the market.

  • Technology Leader – With 1.6T solutions on the horizon, Coherent Optical technologies continue to support the high bandwidth, energy efficient demands of next-generation compute infrastructures.

  • AI Infrastructure Enabler – Provides critical optical transceivers and high-speed data transmission components that help data centers transition from copper to energy-efficient optical connectivity.

Fiber Compared to Copper

While traditional copper cables have long been the standard for network connective, the need for higher-bandwidth connections is rapidly transitioning technology infrastructure toward fiber optic technology using light rather than electricity to move data. Fiber optics offers several advantages including higher bandwidth, higher energy efficiency, and transmission over longer distances.

Fiber Optics Copper
Bandwidth 60Tbps and Beyond 10Gbps
Distance 12 Miles @ 10,000Mbps 300 Feet @ 1,000Mbps
Noise Immune Susceptible to EM/RFI Interference crosstalk and voltage surges
Security Nearly Impossible to tap Susceptible to tapping
Lifecycle 30-50 Years 5 Years
Energy 2W per User >10W per User