The main objective of the report is to present a roadmap for the evolution of the next generation of networks and their adoption. It quantifies the market opportunities, predicts when these will emerge and analyzes which firms are best positioned to take advantage of these opportunities. A supply chain analysis will be included in the report.

Topics examined in the report will include:

- What format (serial or parallel) is most likely to be adopted for networks operating over 100 Gbps and what types of WDM and parallel optics products will be needed as a result.

- What kind of amplification products will be needed in such networks and what is the chance of getting to an appropriate cost point for such amplifiers.

- What kinds of laser, detectors, TOSA, ROSA, etc products will be needed.

- The role of EDC in the next generation of high-speed networks.

- Appropriate modulation schemes for these networks.

- The types of ICs that will be required for these networks.

- The role of optical integration in creating components for these new networks.

- When the first silicon for 100 GigE will appear.

- When or will new MSAs/form factors be required for 100 GigE and similar types of high speed networks. If yes, what will they look like.

- Applicability of existing MSAs in the next generation of networks.

- What particular firms are taking a lead in the standards process to the degree that they may shape next generation networking technology. The future of SONET/SDH beyond OC-768.

- Network and computing applications will be the first adopters of networks operating at above 100 Gbps.

Report Outline:

Executive Summary: Presents the new business potential of these new networks for components and module firms and others. In addition, to setting out the opportunities, we also examine how individual firms are already responding and indicate which firms and technologies are likely to shine in this emerging marketplace

Chapter One: Introduction: Sets out the objectives and methodology of the report and sets the scene for the rest of the report.

Chapter Two: Why Do We Need Higher Data Rates and What are We Doing About It? This includes an analysis of the main drivers for networking at 100 Gbps and above, which by common consent are already coming from large server farms, carrier hotels and high performance computing. We also discuss the claims that video - especially in the form of IPTV - will help push networking to the next level and how the new networks will fit into the needs of future long-haul networks. This chapter also looks at the main standardization efforts underway to bring 100 GigE and SONET/SDH at above OC-768 to the market, including activities at the IEEE, ITU and OIF and how the requirements of enterprise, access, metro and long-haul networks are reflected in proposed media, formats and standards.

Chapter Three: Component and Module Requirements and Opportunities: At the present time there are many suggestions for how the next generation of networks may operate. They could use serial transmission as have most of the networks before them, but there is also a good chance that they may be based around parallel transmission - opening up entirely new markets for parallel optics and WDM products. The new networks will also be looking for low cost amplification and high powered laser products, while their new multiplexing and modulation schemes will also lead to a demand for both novel ICs and optical components.

In addition, we will also take a look at what new MSAs/form factors will be required to support these very high-speed networks and the degree to which they will be backwards compatible with OC-768 and 10 GigE. This chapter also examines how the latest manufacturing processes and materials will factor in to the emergence of the next wave of networking products. In particular, the report will examine how optical integration will help with the creation of components that go into future networks.

Chapter Four: Roadmap for the Next Generation Networks Beyond 10 GigE and OC-768: This chapter provides a complete roadmap for the next generation of networks, examining in detail and what products are likely to appear and when and where early revenues are likely to be obtained. Areas of focus will include WDM components, lasers and detectors, modulators, amplification devices, dispersion compensation devices, transmission modules and ICs.