The Edge ROADM Revolution

Information Gatekeepers Inc
July 1, 2010
SKU: IOAA2755689
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Table of Contents Related Reports
The Edge ROADM Revolution

 
In the eight years or so of previous ROADM history, we have witnessed a continuum of advancing capabilities and technologies in ROADMs. In the last 2-3 years, several companies have introduced products that are Edge ROADMs (although the name is only beginning to be standardized), with reduced capabilities, and reuse of existing technology on a cost-reduced basis.

Now in mid-2010, ROADMs have become a standard part of long-haul networks — to be included as a matter of course in any new network, and they have become a major update objective for existing networks. They have also become important to metro networks. In addition to the maturity of application, ROADMs have also developed a third-generation technology base — the wavelength selective switch (WSS) — that has quickly become the "gold standard." Now the new application that is driving cost savings is the use of low-cost ROADMs on the edge of the network.

Continuing the trend, carriers are now interested in extending that control capability to the ends of the network. The ever-increasing demand for bandwidth at the ends of the network — mostly exemplified by the overwhelming importance of video — make the extension of network control capabilities inevitable.

This report details where the industry is in beginning the new ROADM revolution, from the “Core to the Edge.” This revolution will bring ROADMs to virtually every central office and headend in the US, and in many parts of the world. The forecasts included detail that expansion.

The main focus for this report is the edge ROADM. There are forecasts (based on an update of our forecast two years ago, which were probably the first available anywhere), application sketches, complete vendor coverage, technology discussions, etc. — all aimed at the edge ROADM. It should be noted that the forecasts recognize the slowdown caused by the 2008-2009 recession. They also forecast a rebound starting in 2010. A number of technologies are involved in the ROADM. The report presents several different architectures, with an emphasis on edge ROADMs and WSSs, but also including the switch version and the broadcast version. Technologies involved in each approach are described. The vendors associated with the various approaches are identified, and market forecasts are developed on a component/subsystem level as well as on a system level.

The main market driver for ROADMs is the desire by carriers to save operating expenses. The new video thrust by the major combined RBOCs is a new driver to ROADM deployment. These companies are in the process of deploying nationwide networks to deliver video on their fiber access local networks. ROADMs are the perfect adaptation to control these video distribution services. In addition, the forecasted increase in wavelength services is going to greatly facilitate the deployment of networks based on ROADMs. Finally, the ever-increasing demand for bandwidth by the end user is mandating that ROADMs penetrate the network from core to end.

Report Features
  • Forecasts out through 2015 for all metrics.
  • Forecasts that fully recognize the impact of the 2008-2009 Recession and the expected recovery.
  • Forecasts that recognize the major role that ROADMs have played and are playing in the deployment and expansion of the major Advanced Access Architecture networks - FiOS and U-verse.
  • A full statement of expected economic recovery beginning in mid-2010.


 

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