Fluke unveils CertiFibre Max for dense AI data centres

Fluke Networks has launched CertiFibre Max, a new optical loss test set aimed at high-density fibre testing in data centres.

The company said the product marks its first third-generation optical loss test set and targets contractors and technicians working on multi-fibre links in environments where fibre counts continue to rise.

Fluke Networks said CertiFibre Max runs on its Versiv platform and integrates with LinkWare. The company said technicians can certify up to 24 fibres in under one second.

Data centre operators and contractors have increased fibre density in response to AI workloads, cloud growth, and new digital infrastructure projects. Fluke Networks said this has narrowed performance margins for cabling systems and increased the volume of testing required during installation and upgrades.

Fluke Networks also pointed to limitations in existing test approaches. It said some tools cap the number of fibres they can test at once. It said others rely on fan-out cables and adapters. The company said those add time and increase complexity during certification work.

Adapter design

CertiFibre Max uses field-replaceable UniPort adapters. Fluke Networks said this approach supports different connector types without requiring permanent changes to the main tester ports.

The company said the UniPort adapters provide native support for 12, 16, and 24 multi-fibre push-ons and for 16 and 24 MMC connectors. It said the adapters support pinned and unpinned configurations.

Fluke Networks said UniPort adapters connect directly to a range of connector types. It said the adapters protect tester ports from damage. It also said technicians can upgrade or replace the adapters in the field as standards and fibre counts evolve.

Vineet Thuvara, Chief Product Officer, Fluke Corporation, linked the launch to changes in data centre design driven by AI.

"As AI reshapes data centres and the digital infrastructure they depend on, the margin for error in fibre networks is diminishing," said Vineet Thuvara, Chief Product Officer, Fluke Corporation. "CertiFibre Max reflects our belief that trust in data centre operations starts at the physical layer. Built on the proven Versiv platform trusted by thousands of certified technicians for more than a decade, it delivers native 24-fibre support giving teams the confidence to deploy and certify the high-density networks powering AI and cloud technologies at scale."

MMC adoption

MMC has emerged as a connector option for higher-density optical interconnects in data centres. US Conec said it has seen growing use of MMC as operators increase fibre density in AI-focused facilities.

Charlie Stroup, Applications Engineering Manager, US Conec, described the connector and its role in current deployments.

"MMC Connectors have achieved widespread adoption as AI data centres scale at unprecedented rates. Using high-performance TMT (three-row mechanical transfer) ferrule technology, MMC delivers triple the density of MPO connectors and offers mass-insertion solutions that accelerate deployment in today's high-density networks," said Charlie Stroup, Applications Engineering Manager, US Conec. "As MMC deployments continue to expand rapidly, Fluke's CertiFibre Max plays a critical role in supporting a robust MMC ecosystem, delivering reliable testing for next-generation AI networks."

Testing workflow

Fluke Networks said CertiFibre Max measures loss, length, and polarity across multiple fibres in under a second. The company said the product uses the one-jumper reference method. It said standards recommend the method and manufacturers prefer it for accuracy.

Panduit also pointed to broader market pressures affecting data centre cabling projects, including tighter loss budgets for AI-related networks and a shortage of skilled labour.

"Ultra-low loss standards required by AI, along with rising fibre counts and skilled labor shortages, are driving demand for faster, more accurate performance testing across the market," said David Newman, Manager, Group Products, Data Centre Fibre, Panduit.

Fluke Networks said it expects connector types and fibre counts to continue to change as data centre architectures evolve.