The emergence of high-bandwidth technologies, including cloud computing, high-definition video streaming, and particularly the advancement of AI models, has intensified the requirements for optical networks regarding bandwidth and latency. Traditional single-mode fiber (SMF) primarily employs single-wave rate enhancement and system bandwidth extension to increase capacity. As single-wave 400 Gbit/s and extended C+L band systems become more prevalent, transmission systems based on SMF are anticipated to encounter challenges due to device bandwidth limitations and high nonlinearity in next-generation systems, potentially constraining practical capacity. Additionally, increasing low-latency demands and intensifying commercial competition necessitate optimization of fiber-induced latency. Space division multiplexing (SDM) fibers have been extensively researched to enhance per-fiber transmission capacity. However, SDM fiber-based systems exhibit either high nonlinearity comparable to SMF or signal crosstalk. Furthermore, their light guiding principle remains identical to traditional SMF, failing to address latency reduction.

Anti-resonant hollow core fiber (AR-HCF), characterized by its distinctive fiber structure and guiding medium, offers advantages in loss, nonlinearity, backscattering, and latency, overcoming traditional transmission medium limitations and presenting novel solutions for large-capacity, low-latency networks. Recent years have witnessed the development of various fiber structures, including Kagome structure, single-ring negative curvature structure, conjoined-tube negative-curvature structure, and nested anti-resonant nodeless structure. Notably, nested anti-resonant nodeless fibers have achieved attenuation levels suitable for commercial applications. Substantial research has focused on supporting devices and transmission systems, encompassing splicing, AR-HCF to SMF adapters, optical time-domain reflection technology, and transmission performance demonstrations. AR-HCF deployment has occurred across multiple countries. Despite significant advances, industrial feasibility and performance enhancement face ongoing challenges, necessitating a comprehensive review of existing research to guide future technological development.

This review encompasses AR-HCF advancements, supporting devices, fiber deployment, and transmission system experiments. The analysis begins with detailed explanations of guiding principles, fabrication techniques, loss sources, loss reduction processes, and physical properties. Based on transmission system technical requirements, the review examines implementation schemes and performance of splicing, AR-HCF to SMF adapters, and optical time domain reflection technology for AR-HCF. Current splicing and adapter performance largely satisfies application requirements, while optical time domain reflection technology requires further development. Transmission experiments and deployment progress indicate achievement of 154.5 Tbit/s maximum unidirectional capacity and thousand-kilometer transmission distances in offline experiments. A 2 km AR-HCF transmission system demonstrates no transmission penalty with input power up to 39 dBm, benefiting long-distance transmission. Real-time transmission systems have achieved 270 Tbit/s bidirectional transmission, confirming potential for same-wavelength bidirectional transmission. Multiple fiber deployment cases and experimental demonstrations have been implemented across the United States, Europe, and China. The review concludes by addressing practical application challenges in fiber fabrication, testing methods, supporting devices, and standardization.

AR-HCF characteristics align effectively with optical network operator requirements, prompting operators worldwide to actively advance this technology. Further comprehensive research in fiber fabrication, supporting devices, and transmission system technologies remains essential to enhance AR-HCF development and transmission systems in both academic and engineering domains.