Metro WDM networks develop an edge

The metro ROADM has emerged as a mainstream platform for providers looking for an efficient way to network optical wavelengths. Early adopters have carried the North American and Japanese markets in 2003 through 2005; a full-scale ramp is forecast to begin in 2006. Ovum-RHK is forecasting that the global ROADM market will reach $1.5 billion by 2010. With video and data services as primary growth drivers, the client port mix is projected to shift from SONET/SDH to Ethernet over the forecast period. Fixed OADM based systems are projected to decline to $450 million by 2010 with the revenue predominantly coming from the line-card annuity at that point. CWDM systems have established a viable niche with modest growth projected to take the market up to $345 million in 2010. The aggregate global metro WDM market is projected to be greater than $2.3 billion by 2010.