Having already driven shortages in GPUs, high-bandwidth memory, and advanced packaging substrates, the relentless buildout of AI data centers has now produced a severe crunch in optical communications components — the high-speed lasers, fiber optic cables, and transceivers. Having already driven shortages in GPUs, high-bandwidth memory, and advanced packaging substrates, the relentless buildout of AI data centers has now produced a severe crunch in optical communications components — the high-speed lasers, fiber optic cables, and transceivers. Having already driven shortages in GPUs, high-bandwidth memory, and advanced packaging substrates, the relentless buildout of AI data centers has now produced a severe crunch in optical communications components — the high-speed lasers, fiber optic cables, and transceivers that form the nervous. Potential shortfalls in networking optics supply could hinder data center and AI expansion. How can players boost supply and seize growth opportunities, especially in high-bandwidth transceivers? Networking optics are mission-critical components in advancing AI and data center infrastructure. al shortfalls in networking optics supply could hinder data center and AI expansion. This article explores current trends in networking optics technology s well as the market factors affecting. Lumentum is shipping 30% below customer demand for EML optical networking components, with all production capacity locked in long-term agreements through 2027. The company's OCS order backlog has surged past $400 million despite expanding indium phosphide capacity by over 20% in Q4 2025. The first half of 2025 will be impacted as well.