The telecom industry has witnessed phenomenal growth over the last few decades. It has come a long way from the days of the simple telephone to an era of sophisticated data-driven communication. The industry’s market size is expected to be valued at nearly $2,346.69 billion by 2028, hitting a CAGR of 4.95% during the forecast period 2022-28. Today, 5G and Fibre optic infrastructure are driving corporate digital transformations.
The integrated network economy is expected to reach $60 trillion by 2025. Thus, with transactions rapidly moving online, companies will require 5G and fiber to keep up with the trends. Now is the time to put the infrastructure in place to meet future requirements. Delaying it could come at a heavy price.
Global Rollout of Fibre Optic Networks
Fibre networks are beneficial for high data connectivity uses and transmitting information conveniently at high speeds. The advantages of using optical fibre cables have significantly increased the demand for their rollout and deployment across the world. Mobile operators are expected to spend over $1.1 trillion on 5G and fibre networks between 2020 and 2025, and almost 200 live 5G networks have been launched so far across at least 70 countries.
The fibre optic network market is likely to reach $8.2 billion by 2027, achieving a growth rate of 10.9% this year onward. Hence, there will be a rise in the need for single-mode Fibre to the Home (FTTH) cabling in areas such as 5G deployment, FTTH broadband, etc.
The fibre network cabling is spread across large enterprise spaces to provide high-performance and reliable data connectivity. Let’s look at the two types of optical fibre and their key benefits.
Types of fibre Optic
- Single-mode
These cables cover longer distances as they carry a narrow diameter of the glass fibre core. They help isolate light within a singular beam, providing higher bandwidth and a direct route for connectivity. They are, however, a costlier option for deploying fibre optic networks. - Multimode
They are used for shorter distances or spaces as a wider glass core enables higher reflection of light signals. With this, multiple pulses get transmitted at once. Multimode cables can transmit more data but also have a higher risk of signal loss and interruptions.
Key Benefits of Fibre Optic Network
- Glass fibre cables can handle higher bandwidth compared to copper cables.
- There is no requirement for a high-signal push to transmit light signals.
- They are less prone to interference. For example, electromagnetic interference will be less likely to affect fibre optic cables.
- fibre optic cables can easily be submerged in water, allowing for deployment in areas with high levels of rain.
- These cables don’t require high-cost maintenance, such as copper cabling, nor are they needed to be replaced frequently.
Increasing the Demand for Data Globally
The demand for ubiquitous broadband has accelerated following disruptions due to the pandemic. With the extraordinary growth in large-scale networks and worldwide communications, optical fibre technology has paved the way for high-speed, state-of-the-art broadband networks.
Until a few years ago, we had various access technologies competing with one another – Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Cable, Passive Optical Networks (PON), FTTX networks, etc. Today, the dominant technology is FTTH, rapidly replacing others as countries move on from copper networks. Users can expect the average broadband speed to triple in the next three to five years.
For the successful deployment of fibre optic networks, there needs to be increased awareness about their benefits and significant demand for them in the market. In recent years, the market for fibre networks has been growing at 15-25% annually.
However, greater demand must be generated for the successful deployment of the technology over the long haul. Consumers need to know precisely what the fibre network architecture can do and how it will provide the best solutions to their data requirements.
For speedy and reliable deployment, increasing the demand for data will help drive traffic to companies offering fibre data connectivity. The firms can work toward increasing data demand in the following ways:
- Highlighting the benefits of fibre network architecture for day-to-day use.
- Addressing common issues users face regarding data connectivity.
- Bringing focus to the cost-effectiveness of fibre optic networks.
- Building awareness about the reliability and trustworthiness of fibre optic deployment.
Successful Deployment Strategies for fibre Optic Networks
The process of fibre optic deployment should be strategically planned and executed for maximum effectiveness and reliability. Some of the strategies that can be considered are as follows:
- Planning the cable network and its design
In this stage, it is necessary to examine the installation site and the routes available for deployment and then work on designing FTTH broadband cables for effective installation at the site. - Civil engineering and construction
This process involves digging up the site, and nearby spaces, then installing pipelines, back trenching, and more to deploy the cabling channels effectively. - Implementation
This stage involves installing the FTTH broadband cables, testing, documentation, and pushing the network for further adoption.
5 Crucial Techniques for Easier and Faster fibre Optic Installation
- Put a proper plan in place
To ensure faster deployment of fibre optic network channels, it is necessary to have a well-thought-out plan to enable quick installations and activation. For example, it will be suitable to set up fibre optic infrastructure in spaces already undergoing construction. - Make use of special tools
It is possible to quicken the pace of deployment and simplify the process with the help of tools such as fibre to ethernet converters to make networks more reliable. Such fibre optic tools help ease and streamline the installation process and enable trustworthy services for fibre network users. - Incorporate micro trenching
It refers to digging precise holes to fit fibre optic cable channels and protect them from damage. It tends to be more cost-effective for setting up a fibre network and also helps increase the speed at which fibre optics can get deployed in residential or corporate areas. - Focus on existing networks
It is financially challenging to ensure that new networks can be adopted and can be profitable once put in place. It leads to a lack of resources that will be necessary for the quick and convenient deployment of fibre optic channels.
The problem can be resolved by marketing existing networks and driving higher traffic toward adopting newer fibre network deployments. It will help generate higher revenue and overcome financial stress by allowing for the gathering of the necessary resources for quick and reliable deployment. - Use of dark fibre
More often than not, fibre optic cables spread out across barely used areas, turning into what is called ‘dark fibre’. For quicker deployment of new fibre network channels, integrating such dark fibre cabling with special tools will help maximize the potential of available resources.
The Bottom Line: Fibre Optic Networks are Reliable, Efficient, and Cost-Effective
Fibre optic networks are highly reliable, efficient, and cost-effective for the long haul. More optical fibre deployment around the world would mean higher opportunities will be available to the public and corporations to increase accessibility to reliable network connectivity. That, in turn, will boost communication, business operations, manufacturing processes, and more.
To power up the successful deployment of fibre cabling, STL provides high-end technology for establishing and operating reliable and scalable networks across wired and wireless connections. With an in-depth understanding of data connectivity needs and requirements, STL helps provide optimal solutions globally and boosts the pace at which fibre deployment can take place globally.
Connect with STL today to learn more about the solutions it offers to enable fibre optic deployment.