Free Space Optics
Global Market Forecast & Analysis (January 2012)
Upper Lake, CA (USA) – January 27, 2012 — ElectroniCast Consultants, a leading market research consultancy, today announced the release of a new Executive White Paper, presenting their market analysis and forecast of Free Space Optics (FSO) communication links used in non-military/aerospace applications.
According to the ElectroniCast Executive White Paper: Free Space Optics Global Market Forecast & Analysis (2011-2017), FSO is a line-of-sight (LOS) technology that uses directed laser beams, which provide optical bandwidth Transmitters and Receivers to link voice, video, and data intelligent transfer. A single FSO link product (from point A to point B) often may incorporate multiple transmitters along with receiver/s to ensure adequate performance, in case of interference.
According to ElectroniCast, the worldwide consumption value of FSO Transmitter/Receiver Link Devices used in stationary non-military/ aerospace applications was $26.47 million in year 2011. EMEA held a slight lead in terms of relative market share in 2011; however, the American region is forecast to grab the lead next year (2013).
The increase in the consumption of FSO links in the America region will be attributed to not only continued upgrades and network facilitation in the United States and Canada, but also from the accelerating economic growth of major cities in Latin America. Other market dynamics in the American region are increases in communication links needed for growing infrastructures, such as mass transit, security systems, broadcast (TV) and telecommunications.
European inner-city urban areas typically are relatively difficult for wire-lines, including optical fiber cable installations; therefore, this fact promotes FSO or other wireless solutions.
The APAC region has advanced communication technology deployed especially in Japan; however, other countries, such as Australia, China and India, are not as advanced in campus-wide and metropolitan optical communication deployment. The APAC region has rapidly expanding market opportunities and therefore, our forecast shows the region with the fastest growth (2011-2017); see Figure.
Typically optical communication systems rely on optical fibers between transmitter and receiver, but free space optical communications (optical wireless) systems do not have the limitations associated with the installation and maintenance of such guided wave optical communication systems. FSO can be deployed in a matter of days, there are no reoccurring monthly costs and has limited (if any) rights of way (ROW) issues to negotiate with municipalities or businesses; however, carriers typically require stringent back-up or alternative technical redundancy, which is one huge roadblock to carrier acceptance.
Selected FSO system providers claim that their solutions can provide “carrier-class” availability even in adverse weather conditions, such as extreme temperatures, rain, fog, smog, snow, a flock of birds, etc. Solutions are often addressed through redundant, but alternative technologies, such as Radio Frequency (RF) hybrid approach.
This 41-page ElectroniCast Executive White Paper (EEWP), covering the optical wireless worldwide market, is available immediately at a fee of $1,200 from ElectroniCast Consultants. For detailed information on this or other services provided by ElectroniCast, please contact Theresa Hosking, Marketing/Sales; thosking@electronicastconsultants.com
(Telephone/USA: 707/275-9397)
ElectroniCast Consultants – www.electronicast.com specializes in forecasting trends in technology forecasting, markets and applications forecasting, strategic planning and consulting. ElectroniCast Consultants, as a technology-based independent forecasting firm, serves industrial companies, trade associations, government agencies, communication and data network companies and the financial community. Reduction of the risk of major investment decisions is the main benefit provided. ElectroniCast Consultants’ goal is to understand the challenges and opportunities facing clients and to provide timely, accurate information for strategic planning.
According to ElectroniCast EMEA held a slight lead in terms of relative market share of FSO-Links in 2011; however, the American region is forecast to grab the lead next year (2013).
