AI data centers require 36 times more fiber than designs with standard servers — severe glass shortages push cable lead times out to a full year
AI data centers require significantly more fiber than traditional server setups, driving unprecedented demand that is straining global supply chains. Severe shortages in optical fiber preforms have extended cable lead times to a year, particularly affecting smaller buyers. Major tech companies are securing long-term supply deals and investing in new manufacturing capacity to mitigate the bottleneck.
- ▪AI data centers require approximately 36 times more fiber than traditional CPU server racks.
- ▪Fiber demand from data centers grew 76% year-on-year in 2025 and is projected to account for 30% of global fiber demand by 2027.
- ▪Manufacturing new optical fiber preform capacity takes 18 to 24 months, limiting supply response to surging demand.
- ▪Global fiber prices have risen about 70% since 2021 due to supply constraints and shifting production priorities.
- ▪Nvidia invested $300 million in Corning to build three new US-based optical fiber plants to support AI infrastructure growth.
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| Canonical URL | https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/ai-data-centers-are-consuming-fiber-optic-cable-faster-than-suppliers-can-make-it |
| Publication time | Sat, 16 May 2026 11:40:00 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-16T11:45:18.340Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-16T11:45:18.340Z |
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| Ranking reason | Story pages are not engagement-ranked. Hub feeds use recency, with optional source-diversified chronological ordering (cap consecutive stories per source). No personalized ranking. |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Tech Industry AI data centers require 36 times more fiber than designs with standard servers — severe glass shortages push cable lead times out to a full year News By Luke James published 16 May 2026 Fiber preform production takes up to two years to expand. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Shutterstock) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Major Chinese optical fiber manufacturers have booked orders stretching into early 2027, as AI data center construction drives demand growth that the supply chain cannot match, according to a DigiTimes report.
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