RF Over Fiber Market

The global RF Over Fiber Market was valued at USD 587.6 Million in 2022 and is projected to reach a value of USD 1182 Million by 2030 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 10.5% between 2023 and 2030.

Premium Insights

Customers have an unprecedented demand for wireless access to high-speed data communications due to the increasing network traffic caused by the widespread adoption of connected high-capacity devices such as tablets and smartphones and the increasing number of broadband multi-media services. Therefore, they acquire or deploy additional systems to meet the demand for greater Internet bandwidth connectivity. As the number of Internet users grows, the bandwidth per user expands, increasing the demand for both high bandwidth and bandwidth on demand in metro-core networks. An RFoF module is utilized in numerous military applications to satisfy the requirements for dependability and durability. RFoF can provide significant advantages for optical communication systems and information transmission onboard military vehicles. In harsh environments, RFoF is utilized for shelter connectivity and protection of the control center. In conventional RF systems, using fiber optic cables enables shelters to be placed at great distances from antennas while maintaining secure connections between the antennas and shelters.

FTTx refers to any broadband network architecture that employs fiber optics as the optical medium for information transmission in a local loop used for last-mile telecommunications. FTTx includes FTTH, FTTP, FTTB, FTTN, and FTTC, among other fiber optic access infrastructure variants. Fiber has become an essential component in the evolution of networks due to its capacity to support higher bandwidth at higher velocities. The number of communication applications is expanding swiftly, each with features that demand greater bandwidth and speed. These sophisticated applications include video technology, OTT content, and the Internet of Things. The growing use of fiber optics in these applications necessitates the development of different network architectures, such as FTTH and FTTB.

In the future, demand for RFoF technology will increase in India and the Middle East. Most Middle East and North Africa (MENA) nations are emergent or developing, and the demand for broadband services in these nations is escalating rapidly. Cellular mobile operators are investing more in cellular coverage because wireless communication is a fundamental aspect of daily life. Due to the high cost of terrestrial backhaul equipment, wireless coverage in rural and densely populated urban areas is limited, preventing cellular expansion. Satellite increases the penetration of cellular connectivity technology in these regions to provide improved, cost-effective services.

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Economic Insights

The global economy is at a crossroads, with multiple interlocking challenges and crises occurring simultaneously. Due to the unpredictability of how Russia's war with Ukraine will play out this year and the war's role in causing global instability, the inflation problem is not yet resolved. Food and petroleum inflation will continue to be a pervasive economic issue. Higher retail inflation will affect consumer spending and confidence. As governments raise interest rates to combat inflation, new job creation will decelerate and affect economic activity and growth.

Top Market Trends

1. Increasing Need for Broadband Connections: The increasing prevalence of autoimmune disorders, immune deficiency disorders, and bleeding disorders, as well as the growing adoption of plasma therapy in neurology and other therapeutic indications, are anticipated to drive market growth over the forecast period. RF Over Fiber technology has several advantages over copper-based alternatives, including substantially lower transmission losses and higher signal quality, resulting in a future-proof connectivity platform in any environment. The system consists of optical fiber cables, chassis, splitters and combiners, optical switches, and optical DE multiplexer modules, among other components. The demand for RF Over Fiber solutions is growing due to introducing new applications, such as sound recording and transmission, which is anticipated to expand the market. It is gaining popularity among small players coordinating orchestras and other musical performances. Due to its extensive applications, the RF Over Fiber market is anticipated to experience a rise in demand from consumers and businesses.
2. Lower Power Consumption: The energy required per bit of data transmitted can also be used to determine a system's energy efficiency. Power consumption can be defined as the per-user consumption compared to the average access rate (Watts/Mbps). The power consumption of an access network infrastructure is determined by network segmentation. Utilizing manufacturer data on equipment energy consumption for various typical categories of hardware, the energy consumption of each system component is calculated for a range of access rates. This perspective provides a more solid foundation for anticipating the rise in power consumption as the number of users and access rate per user rapidly increase.
3. Easy Installation: Most RoF techniques obviate local oscillators and related apparatus requirements at the Remote Antenna Units (RAU). Complex and costly apparatus is maintained at the head end of RoF systems, thereby simplifying RAUs. Due to their high cost and power utilization, high-frequency electro-optical modulators and electronics must be avoided at the CS (central station). Due to their high production and maintenance costs, complex implementations of downlink transmission systems should also be avoided. Multiple RAUs share the modulation and switching apparatus housed in the head end. This configuration results in smaller and lighter RAUs, which reduces system installation and maintenance costs.

Market Segmentation

The global RF Over Fiber market can be categorized on the following: Component, Frequency Band, Application, Vertical, and Region. Based on the Component, the market can be categorized into Optical Cables, Optical Amplifiers, Transceivers, Optical Switches, Antennas, and Others (Splitters, Connectors, Fiber Optic Multiplexers). Additionally, based on Frequency Band, the market can be split further into L Band, S Band, C Band, X Band, Ku Band, and Ka Band. Moreover, based on Application, the global market can be differentiated into Telecommunication, Broadcast, Radar, Broadband Communication, and Navigation. Additionally, based on Vertical, the market can be broken down into Civil and Military. Likewise, based on Region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.

Based on Component

Optical Cables to Account for Largest Market Share Due to Widening Applications

Multiple applications utilize RF Over Fiber technology, including satellite communication, TV and radio broadcasting, military, and wireless communication. Various components, such as optical cables, optical amplifiers, transceivers, optical switches, and antennas, are required to support these applications. Optical cables are required for long-distance transmission of high-frequency RF signals, while optical amplifiers are used to amplify and maintain signal intensity. Transceivers transmit and receive signals, while optical switches assist with signal management. Antennas are utilized to transform an electrical signal into a radio wave that can be transmitted through the air. Other components, such as splitters, connectors, and fiber optic multiplexers, are integral to installing and maintaining RF Over Fiber systems. Therefore, the compartmentalization of the RF over the fiber market into these submarkets is required to support various applications and provide the required infrastructure.

Based on Frequency Band

C-Band to Accommodate Largest Revenue Due to Increased Integration within Satellites and Radar Systems

The C Band is the most popular frequency band in the RF Over Fiber industry. It is primarily utilized in satellite, single-point, and radar system applications. The C Band has several advantages over higher frequency bands such as Ku and Ka, including durability against rain fade, greater penetration through plants, and lower ambient attenuation. In addition, the C Band's implementation costs are lower than those of greater frequency bands, making it more accessible to a broader spectrum of customers. Due to these benefits, the C Band is the most popular frequency band in the RF Over Fiber market.

Based on Application

The Telecommunication Sector Benefits the Maximum owing to the Increasing Need for Uninterrupted Connectivity

RF Over Fiber technology is the most general application in the telecommunications industry. The increasing demand for high-speed data transfer and uninterrupted connectivity drives the demand for RF Over Fiber in the telecommunications industry. The technology is used in various industrial applications, including base stations, cell backhaul, and distributed antenna systems. In the future, the demand for RF Over Fiber technology in the telecommunications industry is anticipated to increase due to the growing number of consumers with mobile phones and the increasing adoption of advanced technologies such as 5G. In addition, the growing trend of remote work and the need for high-speed internet connectivity are anticipated to increase the demand for RF Over Fiber technology in the telecommunications industry.

Based on Region

Asia Pacific to Dominate Global Sales Due to Increasing Number of Government-Based Initiatives

In 2022, APAC held the greatest share of the global RF Over Fiber Market. The increased demand for higher bandwidth data services from many smartphone users in this region, particularly in China and India, drives the demand for RFoF products. India and China are among the most prolific adopters of smartphones, and their mobile data consumption is also exceptionally high. Increasing government initiatives and infrastructure developments for expanding networks such as FTTH, FTTC, and FTTB will drive demand for RFoF products in the Asia Pacific. The increasing expenditure on smart devices and the increasing use of internet applications, such as video streaming, data transfer, IoT, and OTT content, has led to the expansion of the APAC RF Over Fiber Market. APAC is anticipated to exhibit the maximum growth rate on the RF Over Fiber market during the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

Products containing RF Over Fiber have risen to the vanguard of the COVID-19 pandemic response plan. They can maintain the dynamic market competition in 2022 due to the robust pipeline of companies in this industry. Geographic expansion, strategic partnerships and collaborations, and mergers and acquisitions by these actors fuel market expansion.

The key players in the global RF Over Fiber market include - Broadcom (U.S.), EMCORE Corp. (U.S.), APIC Corp. (U.S.), Optical Zone Corp. (U.S.), Gooch & House Go PLC (UK), Via Lit (U.S.), Global InaCom (Singapore), HUBER+SUHNER(Switzerland), Glen air (U.S.), Seikoh Giken Co. Ltd. (Japan), II-VI Inc. (U.S.), DEV System Technik GmbH (Germany), Octane Wireless (U.S.), Labs Technology Company Limited (China), Rhotic Ltd. (Israel), Elkay (U.S.), Micro Comp Nordic AB (Sweden), Microwave Photonic Systems Inc. (U.S.) among others.

Recent Market Developments

• March 2022: Broadcom, Inc. has demonstrated its 100G/lane optical PAM-4 DSP PHY with an integrated trans-impedance amplifier (TIA) and high-swing laser driver. It is constructed on a 112G PAM-4 DSP platform, offering the highest CMOS integration level, superior performance, and reduced power consumption. Consequently, the company will be able to expand its market product portfolio.
• November 2021: Rail Antenna was introduced by HUBER+SUHNER to enhance 4G and 5G connectivity. Using sophisticated dual-polarization antenna technology, this new SENCITY Rail MIMO+ Rooftop antenna boosts the potential for 4G and 5G data throughout trains. This will allow the company to expand its product portfolio in the market.

Segmentation of the Global RF Over Fiber Market