ElectroniCast: 2012 fiber-optic connector/mechanical splice market to fall/Datwyler offers turnkey fiber-optic distribution stations
According to the latest report from ElectroniCast Consultants, consumption of fiber-optic connectors used in the American and Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) regions is forecast to decline this year. However, recovery is expected in 2013, the company says.
ElectroniCast says the number of fiber-optic connectors and mechanical splices sold worldwide reached 703 million units in 2011. In the year 2016, the worldwide consumption volume is forecast to increase by a factor of two, to reach over 1.57 billion units.
The Americas region (North America, Central, and South America) led in global market share with 54% in 2011. Americas consumption is forecast to expand to at an average annual growth rate of 10.8% during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is forecast to show the fastest growth with an average annual growth rate of 25% (2011-2016). EMEA fiber optic connector volume consumption, with 19.5% relative market share, trailed the second-place APAC region in 2011.
“Unlike the Asia Pacific region, due to a market situation in mainly the private enterprise and telecommunications end-user sectors, both the American and EMEA regions are forecast for negative consumption value this year (2012) — however, recovering in 2013 and beyond,” said Stephen Montgomery, director of the fiber optic component group at ElectroniCast.
But the overall trend remains up. As optical fiber use migrates closer and closer to the end user, where cable lengths are shorter with higher fiber counts, the requirements for joining fibers becomes more critical. “Fiber optic connectors (and mechanical splices) play a significant role in a network’s cost and performance and they are increasingly used in applications where flexibility for routing or reconfiguring is necessary,” Montgomery said.
ElectroniCast has released these figures it its new annual market forecast and analysis of the use of fiber-optic connectors and mechanical splices in communication applications. The 2011-2016 market analysis and forecast is presented for each significant type of fiber optic connector and mechanical splice used in selected communication applications.
Datwyler has targeted a line of turnkey fiber-optic distribution stations at municipal utilities, power supply companies, and city carriers. Such network operators can receive reliable points of presence (PoPs) with the features they require from a single source, equipped with all the necessary technical facilities and systems, Datwyler says.
The company says it makes the PoPs in collaboration with certified specialist partner companies. Once produced, the fully equipped stations are transported to the site and set up. The operator can then immediately start terminating fiber-optic links, Datwyler says. Use of the turnkey PoPs avoids coordination work and delays often associated with FTTx and TC projects when several installers or suppliers are present, the company points out. Datwyler also can perform on-site splicing work upon request.
The distribution stations are made from concrete and come in different sizes, depending on the number of connections needed. The exterior facades are individually designed to blend in with the respective site environment.
The technical equipment comprises optical distribution frames (ODF) as required, with pre-assembled patch panels and pigtails if requested, in addition to lighting and emergency lighting; various safety devices such as access control, alarm system, and fire extinguishing system; and an air conditioning unit. The scope of supply also includes the electrical installation with an emergency power system, an electrical distribution panel, a static uninterruptable power supply (UPS) with backup battery, together with cable runs and/or cable routing ducts.
