ROADMs are systems that allow the very flexible, remote selection of wavelengths transiting a given intermediate node on a fiber network for dropping and/or adding. They allow access to any of the wavelengths going through a node (or, in more limited ROADM implementations, access to a set of the transiting wavelengths) for use of the data on the chosen wavelength and the possibility of adding to, or modifying, the data on that wavelength for transmitting it on to the next node(s). They also allow the interconnection of multiple intersecting networks (multiple degree nodes) at the optical level, avoiding the expense and complexity of OEO conversions to achieve the interconnection. The device offers the promise of substantial savings in operations costs, and many operational benefits.
Now in mid-2010, the ROADM has 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.
This report provides:
- 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.
In the eight or so years 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.
This report is being issued as many of our carriers are either in the process of planning or of beginning massive upgrades to their networks. This report will be an indispensable guide to all who are, or want to be, involved in the markets resulting from these upgrades. System vendors, component vendors, carriers, investors, and others will all gain from the clear, extensively illustrated text in this report.
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.
There are many applications for the ROADM. The applications of various-degree nodes ("two-degree nodes," for example, have two fiber routes, three-degree have three, etc.) that are common in the network are depicted. As will be noted, some of these applications will have particular use in merging the long-haul networks of the IXCs and the metro networks of the RBOCs. The new application in this report is the Network Edge.
The main market driver for ROADMs is the desire by the carriers to save operating expenses. The new video thrusts by the major combined RBOCs are 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.
