From big moves in coherent optical systems to wild innovations like ultra-efficient microLED data links, ECOC 2025 offered a glimpse into what's coming next for connectivity. AI in network architectures kind of stole the show at ECOC this year. The ECOC Exhibition 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark, drew more than 8,300 attendees and showcased 340 companies. This year, the event buzzed with talk of optical networking breakthroughs and the kinds of tech that might just shape AI-driven infrastructures, hyperscale cloud, and next-gen data centers. TrendForce's latest research indicates that the global market for AI-focused optical transceivers has entered a phase of rapid growth, with market size projected to expand from US$16. 5 billion in 2025 to $26 billion in 2026, representing over 57% YoY growth. Explore pioneering discoveries, insightful ideas and new methods from leading researchers in the field. Read stories and opinions from top. Could space-to-ground lasers replace fiber-optic cables in the future? Getting optical signals through the atmosphere could remain a challenge Can Hollow-Core Cables Transform Data Centers? Microsoft is developing fiber optics for bandwidth-heavy needs Radio isn't the only way to link ground.