Optical equipment in demand for mobile and broadband backhaul

Spending on optical equipment for core broadband and mobile networks is strong, according to the latest figures from Infonetics Research.

The analyst notes a decline in the market in the first quarter of 2011, compared with the end of 2010, but stresses that this is a normal seasonal occurrence.

Looking at the first quarter of each of the two years, however, spending is up - by seven per cent across the optical market and by 20 per cent in wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) equipment.

Andrew Schmitt, directing analyst for optical at Infonetics Research, had 14 years of experience in light-based data transmission prior to joining the insight provider.

He says: "Optical equipment for mobile and broadband backhaul is in demand and carriers are embarking on a multi-year 'optical reboot' to 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps transmission."

Growth is particularly strong in emerging technologies such as WDM and in the packet-optical sector, he adds, as some legacy methods begin to lose favour.