STL (NSE: STLTECH), a global connectivity solutions provider focused on AI-ready digital infrastructure, has announced the successful completion of Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) trials in collaboration with Colt Technology Services across Colt’s London metro optical network. The trial marks a key step in proving that MCF can support higher-capacity optical networks in real operating conditions while improving sustainability and cost efficiency for next-generation digital demand.
The field deployment used STL’s Multiverse™ Multi-Core 4-core Fibre, engineered with the same cladding diameter as conventional single-mode fibre (SMF). The trials were carried out on Colt’s metro network between two Points of Presence (PoPs), covering distances of approximately 9 km and 63 km.
During testing, the network achieved an 800 Gbps line rate, with validation carried out for 100GE and 400GE services. STL said the performance and optical characteristics were assessed through extensive measurements including chromatic dispersion (CD), polarization mode dispersion (PMD), crosstalk, throughput, fault analysis, OTDR testing, loss measurement, and optical return loss (ORL)—with results meeting expectations across all parameters.
STL explained that its MCF platform enables four independent fibre cores within the same cladding diameter as standard SMF, keeping the coating size at 250/200 micrometres. This allows significantly higher transmission capacity per fibre without increasing overall cable diameter, offering a practical upgrade path where duct space and deployment constraints remain critical.
The company noted that it is among the first globally to move MCF deployment beyond lab environments and into real-world networks, including underground and duct systems, supported by a complete product ecosystem spanning fibre, cables, and termination solutions.
“As network demand accelerates, customers are looking for more bandwidth without sacrificing security, performance, or sustainability,” said Buddy Bayer, Chief Operating Officer, Colt Technology Services. “At Colt, we continue to push optical networking forward, and this pilot represents an important step in Europe and the USA. It reflects our focus on building scalable networks that deliver growth in capacity without increasing environmental impact.”
Dr Badri Gomatam, CTO, STL, said the trial highlights the value of joint innovation in advancing optical infrastructure. “Collaborations like this speed up adoption of next-generation connectivity technologies. STL’s Multiverse MCF portfolio is designed for the high-density, ultra-low latency, and resilient connectivity requirements of AI, hyperscale cloud, and future digital platforms globally,” he said. STL stated that the trial results strengthen confidence in MCF as a viable technology for the growing bandwidth requirements driven by AI workloads, cloud scale-out, and new digital services.
STL is a global provider of advanced connectivity solutions, offering end-to-end products and services for building AI-ready networks across FTTx, rural broadband, enterprise, and data centres. With manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, and Asia, STL supplies connectivity solutions in more than 100 countries and works with telecom operators, cloud and data centre companies, internet service providers, and large enterprises to build future-ready digital infrastructure.
