Multimode fiber-optic connector sales heading for dip: ElectroniCast

While sales of multimode fiber-optic connectors will continue to lead the connector and mechanical splice market for the next few years, that position may be under threat, according to a new report from ElectroniCast Consultants.

The market research firm says it expects the consumption value of connectors used with multimode fiber to grow from nearly $1.94 billion in 2014 to $3.18 billion in 2018. However, it believes sales revenues will drop the following year, to $3.15 billion.

The total fiber-optic connector and mechanical splice consumption value reached $3.01 billion in 2014, ElectroniCast says.

"Field-installable connectors for indoor and outdoor use are increasing in demand and thus are making a big-splash in the overall connector product lines of several competitors," commented Stephen Montgomery, director of the Fiber Optic Component group at ElectroniCast. "Fiber-optic connector types, such as SC, ST, LC, FC, and even the MPO and other possibilities, are finding their way to the marketplace. Both mechanical-splice and fusion-splice technologies are meeting the requirements in the field-installable fiber-optic product [space]."

The increasing use of fiber-optic cables across the applications spectrum, not surprisingly, is boosting sales of connectors and splices. As fiber becomes more common in shorter-reach applications, including inside the data center and enterprise, splicing and connecting will play an increasing role, ElectroniCast analysts say.

This opportunity has caught the attention of product developers; there are more than 140 vendors competing for the global fiber-optic connector/mechanical splice market, ElectroniCast estimates. However, a few companies with a broad base in various interconnect product types dominate the space.

The new report leverages an ElectroniCast product matrix that tracks connectors, cable assemblies, optical backplanes, and fiber-optic installation apparatus. The report is available immediately from ElectroniCast Consultants.

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