Broadband and optical may be distinct industry segments in the communications industry. Still, as a student of these industry segments for over 25 years, it’s clear that both continue to have a complementary role.
With Lightwave+BTR becoming a combined publication earlier this year, the fall edition will highlight innovations and trends in the optical and broadband industry.
This becomes even more relevant because the ECOC 2024 and Cable Tech Expo events will take place the same week this year.
In this issue, we’ll highlight critical optical and broadband networking trends.
No one can avoid AI's growing influence on the optical industry. The emergence of optical I/O and co-packaged optics are aimed at improving the performance of AI clusters and
Alongside AI, service providers are moving fast to create new middle mile networks and advance optical wavelength services.
While the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program has focused heavily on funding last-mile broadband, competitive providers like Zayo have argued for creating new middle-mile networks connecting once-ignored rural communities.
Optical wavelength services, which are lit by multiple high bandwidth channels and can be transmitted in a single strand of fiber, are also making a splash. Led by Tier 1 providers like Lumen and AT&T alongside new entrants like Summit Broadband, these services are being adopted by many data center providers and content owners needing high speed.
On the broadband side, you’ll notice the 20th annual Diamond Technology Reviews are here. This feature highlights broadband and video delivery innovations for cable operators and broadband providers.
But when I think about a clear theme that runs across both segments, I think of a quote I saw from Mark Greatrex, president of Cox Communications. On the SCTE TechExpo 2024 website, he provided a vital description of the overall communications networking industry.
“Together, we are paving the way for a transformative era, creating unparalleled experiences for our customers and our communities, and revolutionizing how we connect the world,” he said.
As new applications that demand higher-speed bandwidth emerge, service providers will embrace a new moment to deliver new waves of service.
