Technology and Policy Drivers for Standardization: Consequences for the Optical Components Industry

Michael Speerschneider, MIT

9/12/2008
(Original Publish Date: 9/1/2004)

Optical communications promise the delivery of high bandwith service to all types of customers. The potential for optical communications is enormous and has generated excitement and anticipation over the last decade. However, the emergence of a growing market has not materialized and the 1990's communications "bubble" has burst. One result of the bubble burst is that manufacturers of optical components have seen demand for their products plummet and are now struggling to survive. One major challenge to standardization is the development of a reasonable platform for the standard. The technical requirements required to take the first steps towards standardization are also examined.