16 October 2003 San Mateo, CA Lightwave -- The worldwide consumption value of filter-based devices providing variable chromatic dispersion compensation for high-speed telecommunication networks (>=10Gbits/sec) is forecasted to increase from its estimated $580,000 mark in 1999 to $30 million in 2005, contends a new report from ElectroniCast Corp.
"Filter-based variable (tunable) chromatic dispersion compensating modules are used as a complimentary premium as well as an alternative to installing a specific length of dispersion compensating optical fiber (DCF), other fiber-based solutions or electronic chip-based options in the telecommunications link," explains ElectroniCast president Stephen Montgomery. "These devices are used in conjunction with an Optical Add/Drop MUX (OADM), optical amplifier nodes, signal reconfiguration, test/measurement and other application functions," he adds.
Communication system operators are upgrading their links toward 10- and eventually 40- Gbit/sec transmission speeds and the use of DWDM to increase their network capacity. Often, chromatic dispersion develops into a vital consideration in expanding the capacity, since carriers are dealing with existing (deployed legacy) optical fiber of varying quality. Increase in transmission speed, optical fiber link length, DWDM, and OADMs will drive the demand for dispersion compensation. Dispersion Compensating Filter-Based Modules (DCMs) are passive grating or etalon-based packaged devices that are deployed in various locations within the optical fiber communication network link.
ElectroniCast's "Fiber Optic Chromatic Dispersion Compensation Global Market Forecast Service" presents trends in the deployment of filter-based chromatic dispersion compensators modules (etalon-, FBG-based), electronic chip solutions, and fiber-based modules used in telecommunication networks. It provides a forecast of global consumption and production of dispersion compensating solutions over the 2002-2012 year period. Forecasts are provided for North America, Europe, and Japan/Pacific Rim.