The growth of optical networks for a more digital future

The annual report from the Global Growth Institute indicates that the global market for optical transport equipment in 2024 was valued at $18 billion and is expected to reach $30 billion by 2030, thanks to the growth of artificial intelligence, the deployment of 5G (both public and private networks), and the expansion of data centres. This growth will be driven by both the public sector – through self-provisioned networks for hospitals, universities, and administrations – and the private sector, which is accelerating the demand for advanced connectivity with the expansion of industrial automation, service virtualisation, and decentralised technologies.

Optical networks with WDM technology (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) allow multiple data signals to be multiplexed over a single optical fibre, using different wavelengths to achieve greater transmission capacity without the need to install new physical cables. These networks have evolved to incorporate more advanced technologies such as coherent optics and CDC-F architectures (colourless, directionless, contentionless, FlexGrid), which adapt bandwidth according to the type of signal, making better use of the optical spectrum. These developments aim for more flexible and scalable networks, capable of transporting massive volumes of information efficiently, securely, and with low latency, ready to meet the demands of capacity, automation, and resilience required by future communications.

At APFutura, we have been designing and building WDM transport technology solutions for over 15 years, deploying flexible, programmable, and scalable networks that enable the transport of large amounts of data. We implement bespoke solutions for our clients, understanding their business needs and helping them face the challenges of the future.