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answer: direct
beat: ai-technology
source: 1 article · updated: October 8, 2026
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Does fiber make a cluster behave like local memory?

No. Optical links still have propagation, conversion, switching and protocol latency. A shared-memory programming model also requires appropriate coherence and transport mechanisms.

Answered in

In-Package Optical I/O: Where Photonics Changes AI Networking

Co-packaged optics shortens electrical signal paths and moves conversion closer to chips. Copper, optical links and network protocols still have distinct roles.

Crashtech Editorial October 7, 2026 How AI Actually Works

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