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North American Optical Test Equipment Market: End-User Analysis
Frost & Sullivan, Aug 2002
Next-Generation Networks Offer New Opportunities to Test Equipment Vendors
Manufacturers of optical networking test equipment have great prospects as these networks continue to drive the telecommunications industry. To keep pace with the increasing demand for bandwidth, carriers are using new fiber-enabled networks, supported on intelligent technology. These next-generation networks will require test equipment adapted for the new standards and measurements, in addition to customized test systems.
This Frost & Sullivan research is an end-user analysis of the North American optical networking test equipment. This survey covers optical testing, optical test equipment, test equipment features, test equipment vendors, and test equipment spending. It identifies future opportunities, key application areas, and end-user preferences.
DWDM and GigE to Provide New Markets for Test Equipment
Major telecom equipment vendors and carriers continue to invest in R&D. Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM), an important technology being tested, allows carriers to expand capacity without adding new fiber, thus significantly lowering capital expenditure. The cost of laying new fiber is estimated to be around $40,000 per km; DWDM represents a cost-effective option to increase fiber capacity by up to 35 percent, says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst, Sailaja Vepa. Manufacturers of test equipment will have a first mover advantage if they adapt products to serve DWDM.
Networks such as gigabit Ethernet (GigE) services are becoming increasingly prevalent providing new markets for test equipment manufacturers. Developing dedicated GigE test equipment will prove to be a fruitful investment.
Integrated Test Systems and Enhanced Product Features Will Shape Market Shares
Another market that shows a lot of promise is that of integrated test systems. There is sufficient demand for equipment capable of multi-function testing and few companies have introduced products that fall into this category.
Miniaturization is the latest fad with carriers preferring test devices that are based on the personal digital assistant (PDA) format. These instruments are easy to use and, therefore, reduce training time, besides weighing between 5 lbs and 8 lbs only. End users are interested in products that are truly hand-held rather than merely portable. According to Ms. Vepa, New product introductions and enhanced features specifically tuned to address end-user needs are crucial to any T&M companys success.
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