Optical networking is the use of optical fiber and related technologies to send data, phone, and video signals over vast distances. It involves the use of light to convey data over optical fibers, often in the form of laser-generated pulses. They travel as light via data centers, access networks (RAN), and core networks, but are transformed to electrical signals in all routers and network appliances. In 2022, the global optical networking market was valued at US$18.93 billion, and is probable to reach US$31.26 billion by 2028.
The market's expansion may be ascribed to the smartphone penetration, and strong demand for network-connected devices. The tremendous increase in internet users, both at home and at work, has produced a new level of network bandwidth demand. Further, the rise of the cloud has been a key growth driver for the optical networking market over the past few years. As enterprises continually shift to a cloud centric or hybrid approach, it is expected that cloud demand for optical equipment to remain robust. The global optical networking market value is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.72%, during the forecast period of 2023-2028.
Market Segmentation Analysis:
By Data Range: According to the report, the global optical networking market is segmented into three data range: Up to 40 GBPS, 40 GBPS to 100 GBPS and Greater than 100 GBPS. Up to 40 GBPS segment acquired majority of share in the market in 2022 as when compared to typical copper-based networks, optical networking at speeds of up to 40 GBPS delivers a huge boost in bandwidth. This enables enterprises to fulfill the increased need for high-speed connectivity by allowing for speedier data transmission. Whereas, the Greater than 100 GBPS segment has the fastest CAGR due to the continuous development of 5G & high-performance services brought by cloud networks.
By Component: According to the report, the global optical networking market is segmented into six components: Optical Transceivers, Optical Fiber, Optical Circulators, Optical Switches, Optical Amplifiers and Others. Optical Transceivers segment acquired majority of share in the market in 2022 as there is increasing demand for high-speed data transmission, increased internet traffic, and the deployment of optical communication technologies in data centers, telecommunication networks, and enterprise networks. Whereas, the Optical Fiber segment has the fastest CAGR as there is high demand for data centers, rapid deployment of the 5G network, and growing data traffic.
By Technology: According to the report, the global optical networking market is segmented into three technology: WDM, SONET and Fiber Channel. WDM segment acquired majority of share in the market in 2022 as wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) technique multiplexes different optical carrier signals on a single optical fiber with the help of laser lights of different wavelengths. Whereas, the Fiber Channel segment has the fastest CAGR as it has low latency, high throughput, and high reliability, making it excellent for high-demand storage situations including enterprise data centers, cloud storage, and high-performance computing.
By Ends User: According to the report, the global optical networking market is bifurcated into four end users: IT and Telecom, Healthcare, Government and Other end users. IT and Telecom segment acquired majority of share in the market in 2022, as telecom companies use optical networking technology to provide high-speed broadband services such as internet access, voice calls, video conferencing, and multimedia streaming. Whereas, the same segment is expected to have the highest CAGR in the future as the introduction of new and innovative equipment for transporting data at high speeds, as well as rising demand for more secure networks, are projected to drive growth in this category in the near future.
By Region: The report provides insight into the optical networking market based on the geographical operations, namely North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. North America optical networking market enjoyed the highest market share in 2022, due to the increasing demand for high-speed internet connectivity, mobile services, and modern communication solutions, the region has a highly developed telecommunications infrastructure. Optical networking solutions provide the capacity and scalability required to manage increasing data traffic and meet consumer and business needs for quicker and more reliable communication services.
The market for networking and optical communication equipment is dominated by the US, as the US has an advanced telecommunications business with a big and technologically advanced network infrastructure.
Global Optical Networking Market Dynamics:
Growth Drivers: Data centers are facilities that house computing systems such as servers, storage devices, and networking and communication equipment in order to store, manage, and process massive volumes of digital data. Data center expansion is encouraging the adoption of optical communication solutions, which allow quicker and more reliable data transmission. Further, the market is expected to increase due to rapid expansion in the telecom industry, establishments of data centers, increasing adoption of smartphones, augmenting inclination toward wireless optical networks , increasing demand for greater bandwidth, rise of cloud hyperscale infrastructure, etc.
Challenges: The market's expansion is projected to be hampered by high installation costs. Optical communication solutions, such as fiber optic cables and accompanying infrastructure, have a substantially greater initial setup cost than traditional systems. The installation process is extremely technically difficult, and any errors during installation or maintenance can cause significant disruptions and loss for enterprises. The other challenge that optical networking market faces is rise in the network complexity, security concerns, etc.
Trends: A major trend gaining pace in optical networking market is increasing adoption of internet of things (IoT). As IoT applications proliferate across numerous industries, optical networking becomes increasingly important in sustaining the large stream of data created by these linked devices. Optical communication technologies are appropriate for AI and IoT applications since, they are resistant to electrical interference (storms, lightning). More trends in the market are believed to augment the growth of optical networking market during the forecasted period include, rising adoption of 5G networks, technological advancements, consolidation, etc.
Impact Analysis of COVID-19 and Way Forward:
The COVID-19 epidemic had a favorable impact on market trends in optical communication and networking. The epidemic caused an extraordinary rise in bandwidth demand because lockdowns and social distance conventions forced individuals all across the world to stay at home. Digital methods such as online learning and work from home have been adopted by offices, schools, and institutions. During the pandemic, people engaged in recreational activities online. This resulted in a surge in bandwidth demand in the first quarter of 2020. However, the pandemic disrupted supply chains, resulting in project delays and limited expenditures in new projects.
In the post-COVID period, the optical networking market has seen numerous important shifts. With the growing demand for high-speed and dependable connectivity, optical networking technologies have become critical in supporting the expanding digital infrastructure.
Competitive Landscape and Recent Developments:
Global optical networking market is concentrated, with just top three players namely Huawei, Ciena and Nokia, holding more than half of the market. It is expected that this trend to continue as sub-scale competitors continue to fall creating opportunities for existing leaders (Huawei, Nokia, and Ciena) to gain share. Key players of global optical networking market are:
- Huawei Investment & Holding Co. Ltd.
- Fujitsu Limited
- Cisco Systems, Inc.
- Nokia Corporation
- ZTE Corporation
- Ciena Corporation
- Infinera Corporation
- NEC Corporation
- Adtran. Inc., (ADVA Optical Networking SE)
- Ribbon Communications Inc.
- II-VI Incorporated (Coherent Corp.)
- Viavi Solutions Inc.
- Corning Incorporated
- FiberHome Telecommunication Technologies Co., Ltd.
The key players are constantly investing in strategic initiatives, such as new product launches, introducing their products to emerging markets and more, to maintain a competitive edge in this market. For instance in March 2023, Ayar Labs, Inc., a US-based company that develops an optical I/O solution, unveiled the industry's first 4 terabit-per-second (Tbps) bidirectional Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) optical solution. This solution is expected to pave the way for the development of next-generation AI and data center designs. Also, in, February 2023, Cisco Systems Inc., a US based digital technology company, announced that it had partnered with V.tal to accelerate the delivery of 5G services. V.tal is a Brazil-based end-to-end fiber-optic neutral network company and owns the largest infrastructure in the country, with over 450,000 kilometers of terrestrial optical fiber connecting more than 2,380 municipalities.
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Companies Mentioned
- Huawei Investment & Holding Co. Ltd.
- Fujitsu Limited
- Cisco Systems, Inc.
- Nokia Corporation
- ZTE Corporation
- Ciena Corporation
- Infinera Corporation
- NEC Corporation
- Adtran. Inc., (ADVA Optical Networking SE)
- Ribbon Communications Inc.
- II-VI Incorporated (Coherent Corp.)
- Viavi Solutions Inc.
- Corning Incorporated
- FiberHome Telecommunication Technologies Co., Ltd.
