Faster, Denser, Smarter: Expanded Beam Optical Connectors for Next-Gen Data Centers

Hyperscale data centers are growing at a staggering pace, pushing the limits of standard infrastructure models. The rapid expansion of AI, cloud computing and high-performance workloads is driving unprecedented demand for scalable, high-density fiber networks. But deployment speed—not just bandwidth—has become the real hurdle. Meeting demand requires solutions that can grow efficiently, not just densely.

Traditional multi-fiber push-on (MPO) connectors remain widely used, but at hyperscale, the need for frequent cleaning, alignment and insertion testing slows down network expansion during deployments and ongoing maintenance. Expanded Beam Optical connectors remove these barriers by replacing physical fiber contact, reducing service demands and accelerating large-scale buildouts. By shifting away from fiber-to-fiber interfaces, EBO delivers a more efficient and flexible infrastructure.

How can data centers keep up without facing the limitations of conventional infrastructure?

Hyperscale data centers are in a race against time. AI adoption has skyrocketed, and infrastructure must scale at accelerated speeds to keep up. Every delay—whether from labor shortages, installation errors or slow fiber rollouts—puts operators at a disadvantage.

Traditional multi-fiber connectors slow expansion because they require precise physical alignment and frequent inspection for contamination. When installing thousands of fiber endpoints, minor inefficiencies compound into days or weeks of lost time.

EBO sidesteps these issues. Instead of relying on physical fiber-to-fiber contact, it expands the light beam across an air gap, making installation 85% faster* in real-world deployments using the advanced 3M™ EBO Ferrule. This design eliminates the need for time-consuming cleaning, inspections or troubleshooting contamination. Installation is fast, with virtually no need for specialized tools or highly trained technicians.  

Data center growth has shifted focus—from maximizing fiber counts to accelerating reliable installation. Operators who reduce installation time without sacrificing performance will gain a competitive edge. This shift underscores the importance of integrating advanced solutions. 

Fiber density is a defining challenge in hyperscale data centers. Increasing fiber counts raises the risk of congestion, insertion loss and signal degradation. Traditional multi-fiber connectors require precise alignment and careful handling, making dense deployments both tedious and labor-intensive.

With its non-contact design, EBO improves the resilience and efficiency of high-density networks. EBO expands the spot size then transmits over a narrow gap, reducing reliance on precise alignment and minimizing dust-related disruptions. This non-contact approach simplifies dense wiring while removing one of the biggest pain points—keeping thousands of fiber terminations clean and precisely aligned.

Unlike spring-loaded ferrules in MPO connectors, which can degrade over time, EBO’s free-space optical path remains stable across thousands of connections. As hyperscale networks begin adopting 224G signaling and preparing for future 448G lanes, EBO provides the density and reliability required to support 800G and 1.6T system architectures.

High-density fiber networks are only as reliable as their weakest connection. Traditional fiber connector interfaces degrade over time due to contamination and repeated physical contact during mating cycles. Each connection increases the risk of microscopic debris buildup, leading to insertion loss and reduced performance. 

EBO significantly reduces these risks by removing direct fiber contact. Its collimated beam traverses a small contactless space, minimizing insertion loss while protecting connectors from physical wear and contamination.

Additionally, by consolidating up to 144 fibers per connector, EBO reduces rack space requirements, improving airflow in dense environments. The result is sustained high performance with fewer failure points and lower maintenance demands.

EBO is the focus of a growing multi-vendor network being developed to enhance capability, performance and stability, especially while undergoing rapid growth. Industry leaders, such as Molex and 3M, are promoting expansion and broadening access by integrating EBO into large-scale data center infrastructure.

These hyperscalers are looking to these solutions to avoid single-source dependency with the goal of maintaining supply chain stability and adaptability. IP licensing and shared production agreements expand availability, freeing operators from vendor lock-in and introducing new levels of flexibility in infrastructure planning.

In dense, high-speed environments, performance depends on connector reliability. Molex VersaBeam EBO Interconnect Solutions are designed for these challenges, consolidating 144 fibers per connector to reduce rack congestion and simplify network architecture. Its total internal reflection (TIR) lens holds insertion loss to <0.7 dB SM/0.3 dB MM and return loss above 55 dB SM/25 dB MM. A push-pull connector mechanism streamlines installation in high-density racks, reducing handling errors and speeding installation.

Hyperscale data centers are not just expanding—they are accelerating. AI workloads, rising fiber density and the need for swift deployment are reshaping infrastructure faster than ever. Molex is advancing this shift with engineered EBO solutions designed for high-speed, high-density networking.

With deep expertise in fiber optics, global manufacturing capabilities and a history of shaping industry standards, Molex is adapting EBO to meet the challenges of large-scale data centers. EBO’s proven performance in aerospace and industrial settings underscores its long-term reliability in demanding environments. Based on this success, Molex is helping to refine EBO for the realities of hyperscale environments.

By eliminating direct fiber contact, reducing labor-intensive upkeep and simplifying expansive rollouts, EBO allows data centers to scale faster. But unlocking its full potential requires more than technology—it demands an ecosystem ready for widespread adoption.

Molex is building that ecosystem by integrating into a robust supply chain, supporting adoption across hyperscale infrastructure and collaborating with system architects to address data center challenges. Fiber upgrades should not disrupt operations, which is why Molex is dedicated to ensuring that fiber upgrades are smooth and efficient. Explore our portfolio of fiber optic connectors and adapters. 

*Time reduction figures are based on documented testing performed during actual 3M customer deployment. This testing was a limited sample size. Results may vary.