Corning Incorporated and Nokia have announced a strategic collaboration to deliver end-to-end fibre-to-the-edge (FTTE) and optical local area network (LAN) solutions for enterprises. The partnership combines Corning’s passive optical components with Nokia’s active network elements to offer scalable, high-performance, and energy-efficient infrastructure suited for modern applications and Internet of Things (IoT) environments.
Many enterprise LANs still depend on copper-based cabling systems that require extensive point-to-point wiring to support Wi-Fi, cloud, and video services. These systems often lead to high complexity, operational costs, and space constraints in equipment rooms, with frequent upgrades needed to meet evolving demands. By contrast, optical LAN converges multiple services into a single, high-speed fibre network, improving performance and simplifying operations.
Delivering speed, efficiency, and sustainability
The joint Corning and Nokia solution introduces a long-reach, high-bandwidth network designed to enhance connectivity and lower latency. It provides enterprises with a streamlined and cost-effective way to modernise infrastructure while reducing cabling requirements and operational expenses.
Among the key benefits is its future-flexible design, supporting data speeds ranging from 1Gbps to up to 100Gbps to meet future bandwidth demands. The network offers centralised management, quality of service controls, and intuitive tools that make deployment and maintenance more efficient. Businesses can achieve up to 70 per cent cabling reduction, a 50 per cent decrease in total ownership costs, and extend network lifespan to as much as 50 years.
Sustainability is also a core focus. The composite cable material used in the solution reduces the total amount of cabling by up to 70 per cent, leading to an 88 per cent reduction in embodied carbon compared to conventional category 6A cabling. In addition, the network supports remote powering of terminals and edge devices over distances of up to 600 metres, removing the need for local power sources and further cutting energy use.
Supporting industries with growing digital needs
Corning’s ActiFi Hybrid Cable and 10G HPoE Media Converters work alongside Nokia’s Aurelis Optical LAN system to create a fully integrated infrastructure. Together, the solution offers reliability and scalability for applications ranging from smart building systems to in-room entertainment and advanced automation.
“The collaboration with Nokia demonstrates our shared commitment to revolutionising enterprise networks,” said Piers Benjamin, EMEA Market Development Manager, Enterprise at Corning Optical Communications. “By combining Corning’s expertise in optical connectivity with Nokia’s LAN solutions, we’re enabling businesses to deploy infrastructures that are intelligent, high-performing, and adaptable to emerging technologies such as Wi-Fi 7 and advanced IoT applications – delivering seamless data and power all the way to the edge of the network.”
Mathieu Roberty, Enterprise and Partner Director at Nokia, added, “Optical LAN is really a no-brainer for enterprises. Cutting overall total cost of ownership by up to half and removing the need to ever replace cabling is a game-changer. We’re pleased to join forces with Corning to bring this solution to market.”
The collaboration targets sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, education, and real estate, where the need for high-speed, sustainable networks continues to grow. The combined solution is now available across multiple markets in the EMEA and APAC regions, positioning both companies to help enterprises accelerate digital transformation with reliable and sustainable network infrastructure.
