PHOTONIC SWITCH & SWITCH MATRICES, Global Market Forecast, 2007 - 2012

Photonic Switch Market Overview

The ElectroniCast Photonic Switch & Switch Matrices Global Market Forecast provides the historic year of 2007 and a 5-year (2008-2012) forecast of the consumption value of photonic switches and photonic switch matrix systems, segmented into the following geographic regions:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific Region (APAC)

Photonic switches implement technologies that switch signals entirely in the optical (photons) domain. This is the report of the ElectroniCast study of conventional optical switch modules and optical switch matrices used for selected fiber optic-based communication applications or for the purpose of the manufacturing of components to be used (consumed) in the selected communication applications.

The global consumption value of photonic switches and switch matrices in 2007 was $5.69 billion. The consumption value is forecast to increase to $22.7 billion in 2012(1), with strongly rising quantity growth partially offset by a continuing decline of average selling prices (ASPs). This DRAMATIC growth will be driven by the expansion of fiber optic transport and access networks, mainly in telecommunications. The private data network as well as the specialty/instrumentation and military/aerospace market segments will also continue to be major switch users.

Half of the 2007 switch market consisted of simple, conventional switches such as 1x2, 2x2 and 1xN configurations, as detailed in Table 1.1.6 and 1.1.7. Back in year 2001, ElectroniCast reported matrix switches represented a 35 percent share of the total photonic switch & switch matrix market and that the matrix segment would catch-up and eventually exceed the conventional switches. Now in year 2008, we are seeing the matrix segment proceeding as predicted in our 2001 report. The future growth of phonic switching will consist of strong value by complex switch matrix SYSTEMS, however in terms of the quantity (number of units), the photonic switch market will be dominated by the (less expensive per unit) conventional switches.

Nonmechanical (solid-state), electronically driven switches and switch matrices will expand strongly over the forecast period of this study. Optomechanical switches and matrices, however, will maintain the leading value share, supported by MEMS switch element technology.

The global fiber optic connector and mechanical splice consumption last year (2007) was $1.3885 billion. The consumption value will increase with strongly rising quantity growth partially offset by declining average prices. By the year 2012, the worldwide consumption value is forecasted to reach $2.5514 billion.

(1)All values and prices in this report are at end-user levels, and are in current dollars, which include the effect of a forecasted 5 percent annual inflation rate over the forecast period.