IHS forecasts huge growth for 100G optical ports

Aug. 13, 2015
Coherent 100G port shipments for metro regional optical networks grew a whopping 145% last year and are expected to grow 118% more this year, predicts IHS in its report, "IHS Infonetics 100G+ Coherent Optical Equipment Ports."
Coherent 100G port shipments for metro regional fiber-optic networks grew a whopping 145% last year and are expected to grow 118% more this year, predicts IHS in its report, "IHS Infonetics 100G+ Coherent Optical Equipment Ports." "Adoption of 100G coherent technology has surged, first in long-haul networks and now becoming a material part of metro networks," observes Andrew Schmitt, IHS research director for carrier transport networking. "100G is poised to explode in 2016 as new equipment built specifically for the metro reaches the market, allowing 100G technology to economically reach new portions of the network such as metro edge and metro regional." In 2014, growth in 100G port shipments was led by massive purchases in China from China Mobile. Most of 100G coherent technology deployed last year was for long-haul applications, but metro regional (<600 km) and metro access (<80 km) applications will start ramping next year. In 2017–2018, 100G coherent will make another quantum jump, displacing 10G in the 80-km or less metro access market, IHS predicts. A small number of systems houses control the majority of 100G market share: Alcatel-Lucent, Ciena, Huawei, Infinera, and ZTE. The only potential catalyst for shifts will come from deployment in shorter reach metro and data center applications – the next growth vector for 100G. The IHS report provides granularity for 100G+ coherent and non-coherent port shipments on optical transport equipment, tracking the evolution of 100G as operators increase the flexibility and capacity of their networks. It tracks 100G by application, including metro regional, metro access, and long haul, as well as specific technology derivatives such as flex-coherent and direct-detect 100G. For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.