Collaboration explores new possibilities for low-latency, high-performance connectivity
Network Planning Solutions (NPS), a global specialist in next-generation fibre deployment, Colt Technology Services, the global digital infrastructure company, and Relativity Networks, the company defining the networking layer for distributed AI, have successfully completed a ChronoCore Hollow Core Fibre (HCF) proof of concept connecting two Colt network locations in central London. The project used Relativity Networks’ ChronoCore™hollow core fibre ChronoCore™ fibre within Colt’s existing network, with NPS leading the installation and validation work. Now live within Colt’s infrastructure, the deployment marks an important step towards making ChronoCore available for hyperscaler, neoscaler and enterprise customers with demanding AI, cloud and data-intensive workloads.
As networks evolve from supporting primarily human interactions to enabling AI, machine-to-machine communications and real-time digital applications, speed of response becomes just as important as capacity. Where traditional fibre carries light through glass, ChronoCore HCF uses an air-filled core to reduce latency which helps data move faster across the network. By reducing latency by around 30%, ChronoCore HCF can help applications respond more quickly and efficiently, while giving organisations greater flexibility in where they place data centres and digital infrastructure. Over time, it could enable simpler, more efficient network architectures, helping support the next generation of AI-driven services and the wider digital economy.
Rather than replacing conventional fibre everywhere, ChronoCore HCF is likely to be used on the most performance-critical routes, such as:
- Between hyperscaler and neoscaler AI infrastructure locations
- Between data centres
- Between AI training and inference clusters
- Between cloud regions
- Between financial trading locations
- Between major network hubs
- For ultra-low-latency enterprise applications
Joe Scattareggia, EVP – Infrastructure and Connectivity Sales said, “Our hyperscaler, neoscaler and enterprise customers are already thinking about what’s next, and so are we. As AI and increasingly data-intensive applications reshape the digital economy, we’re continuously exploring new technologies and partnerships that can help them stay ahead. This proof of concept is an exciting example of how we can deliver the performance, flexibility and efficiency they’ll need to achieve their future ambitions.”
Danny Preston, Founder and CEO of NPS, stated, “This live central London deployment is an important step in moving HCF from technical potential into operational network infrastructure. Working with Colt and Relativity Networks, NPS successfully installed, spliced, tested and validated ChronoCore within a complex, established metropolitan network. It demonstrates that the specialist expertise and deployment processes are in place for operators and customers to begin realising the latency, capacity and network design benefits of HCF now.”
Kevin Reynolds, Executive Director at Relativity Networks, commented, “This project has been an excellent collaboration between Colt, NPS and Relativity Networks. It demonstrates that our Hollow Core Fibre can be successfully integrated into established network infrastructure and opens new possibilities for data centre placement and network optimisation. By reducing latency while supporting high-bandwidth transmission, HCF gives operators and their customers greater freedom in how they design and scale future networks.”
The successful deployment provides a foundation for future customer deployments and further exploration of how ChronoCore HCF could help support the growing demands of AI, cloud and next-generation digital infrastructure.
About Network Planning Solutions
Network Planning Solutions (NPS) is a global specialist in advanced fibre and network infrastructure. Established in 2013, NPS installs, splices, tests and supports fibre networks across data centre, metropolitan and long-haul environments. Its specialist teams have extensive practical experience deploying Hollow Core Fibre and other next-generation fibre technologies, supported by dedicated equipment, validated installation processes and 24/7 operational capability. Learn more at www.npsltd.net.
About Colt Technology Services
We’re Colt. We own and operate exceptional digital infrastructure which powers the global AI economy, connects societies, builds communities and transforms lives. Thousands of colleagues in 65+ offices across Europe, Asia, and North America share a deep commitment to delivering an outstanding experience and making every interaction effortless for our customers.
Customers and partners choose our award-winning fibre infrastructure, digital platforms and security solutions, delivered across a network that spans continents and crosses oceans. We’re Europe’s largest B2B operator: we connect 40+ countries, 32,000 enterprise buildings, 275+ points of presence, and 12 cable landing stations and we manage eight subsea cable systems. We also co-manage AS3356 – the most widely peered network in the world.
Founded in London over 30 years ago, we’re privately funded and driven by values of fairness, inclusion and equity. We’re known for our urgent call for social and sustainable change and we’re guided by our purpose in everything we do: creating effortless connections and extraordinary outcomes for our customers, communities and people. Be a part of our story: come on over to www.colt.net or join our amazing communities at LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. Media enquiry? Email us at pressqueries@colt.net.
About Relativity Networks
Relativity Networks builds the advanced optical networking technology that distributed AI depends on. At its core is the company’s patented ChronoCore™ hollow core fiber. ChronoCore™ guides light through an air core far closer to the speed of light in a vacuum — roughly 47 percent faster than with conventional glass — so data travels faster and farther with no loss of network performance. Hyperscalers use ChronoCore™ to site AI data centers closer to available power and to connect separated campuses while meeting exacting data-transmission latency requirements. ChronoCore™ integrates with existing infrastructure, creating immediate expansion options for distributed AI. Learn more at www.relativitynetworks.ai.
