Forecasts for 2024 Fiber System: Two Key Trends in Broadband

As we look forward to the fiber optic market developments for 2024, it's estimated that North America will be the fastest-growing market due to several significant trends, US government support with BEAD program and 2024 updated CETs, and ML adoption. But how? Delve into these primary trends below and explore how FS fiber cabling solutions cater to US customers' needs.

Key Trends in 2024 Drive the Fiber Optic Market Demand

The US government's support, and ML technology development increase the demand for the fiber optic market.

Market Drives: US Government's Support

The US government's support includes the BEAD(Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment) program and 2024 updated CETs(Critical and Emerging Technologies List). US BEAD program is a federal initiative that provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access in all 50 states. Its mission is clear, to target people in underserved rural areas to access reliable and affordable high-speed internet. Industry analysts expect fiber optic networks would be a preferred solution due to their advantages of high-speed and long-distance transmission.

Plus, the White House released the Updated CETs in February. The 14th item Integrated Communication and Networking Technologies, put optical link and fiber optic technology, as well as terrestrial/submarine cables, respectively ranked fourth and fifth in the list. The two governmental measures signal an impending increase in the construction of fiber networks in the USA.

Technology Revolution: The Adoption of ML

In addition, the explosive growth of global ML (machine learning) similarly lead to a surge in demand for fiber optic deployments. They work by ingesting vast labeled training data, then processing and analyzing the datasets for correlations and patterns, and using the patterns to make predictions about future states. All done in the blink of an eye. This requires amounts of computing power supported by fast, secure, reliable data transmission. The demand for computing power will inevitably drive the construction of data centers, which will also pull the demand for fiber cabling deployments.

What Challenges May Occur？

From the above, an uptick in fiber network planning and engineering activities is inevitable in the USA, and the demand for essential construction fiber cabling will increase. However, meeting this growing demand will be no mean feat.

Fiber cabling design may be a tough task. Designing a proper cabling diagram requires technicians to address the physical challenges of hosting numerous fibers in a limited space and explore innovative preparations for future higher-rate upgrades to save project costs. Moreover, compatibility of existing infrastructure also needs to be considered.

Customization for specific scenarios would be a challenge. Due to the unique demands of customers' infrastructure and operations, customized fiber cabling is often required. For example, ML training systems frequently have complex architectures involving interconnected components like GPUs, CPUs, storage arrays, and specialized accelerators. Customized cabling products can optimize connectivity by offering low insert loss within this architecture, ensuring efficient data flow and minimizing bottlenecks.

Lack of experienced technicians for installations. As mentioned above, the US BEAD program announced providing access to high-speed internet for rural residents and businesses in 11 states, a big project requiring numerous technicians to attend. However, data centers' cabling is a highly complex environment with various components such as servers, storage systems, networking equipment, etc. Setting up and configuring those cabling links among these components requires professional people. But because the project is on a grand scale, the technicians may be insufficient.

How to Encounter 2024 Fiber Optic Market

Those trends drive the demand for ultra-fast, efficient, and versatile fiber optic cabling. There may be difficulties like the lack of engineers to design the cabling diagram or finish the installation, they need a reliable fiber solution provider to offer them complete cabling design, unique customized products, and guaranteed delivery. As a customer-centric fiber cabling solutions provider, FS stands out with innovative products and continuous improvement of services.

Complete High-density Solution Capability

FS possesses various series of high-density solution capabilities for customers based on their needs, including the entire process from inquiry, customization, and delivery, to after-sales service. FS series high-density solution covers FHD® wire management, high-density MTP®/MPO connector-based products, and a wide variety of fiber optic cables. By engaging with customers from the initial fiber cabling inquiry stage, FS understands their needs comprehensively, and develops suitable fiber solutions. To ensure the seamless integration and coordination of various components, all FHD® products take modular designs, which allow customers easy upgrades and expansions. FHD® fiber enclosure with quarter-zone modular design is the best proof. Customers can expand their networks by adding FHD® fiber panels or cassettes. With FS complete solution capability, customers can receive personalized attention, timely communication, and reliable assistance at every stage.

Tailored Fiber Solutions Capability

At FS, customers can receive personalized solutions tailored to their specific requirements and preferences. For building high-speed networks in rural areas of the BEAD program, people may face the challenge of building a cabling system with the right MTP fiber cable polarity. But ML training customers may require highly scalable and high-capacity networks for today's data transmissions and future upgrades. FS provides robust customization solutions, including customized product parameters, customized fiber polarity solutions, and customized services. By focusing on the specific goals and objectives of different customers, FS custom cabling solutions can fit seamlessly into the customer's existing cabling system. For example, for MTP fiber polarity solutions, FS will fully understand customers' existing cabling situations, and recommend the corresponding polarity solutions. The following shows a common method A cabling solution.

Site Installation and Timely Delivery Capability

FS provides technical support and global inventory assurance for cabling solution response. FS local technical team provides cabling installation services. It has been proved that FS cabling install team can help customers save time within one week and reduce costs by 30-40%. And global warehouses ensure ample inventory of fiber cabling products, enabling fulfillment and reducing delays. At FS, customers benefit from prompt responses to inquiries, quick turnaround times for customization, and reliable delivery schedules, ensuring their needs are met within expected timelines.

Overall, 2024 promises to be a pivotal year for the fiber optic market, marked by the USA governmental measures and ML growth. FS welcomes these trends and will continuously improve fiber solutions for a more efficient, and sustainable network future.