Free Space Optic Communication Market Outlook – 2027 

Free Space Optic Communication (FSO) is an optical communication technique that wirelessly transmits data by propagation of light in free space or vacuum allowing optical connectivity for telecommunication and computer networking. This line-of-sight technology consists of optical transceiver at both ends with bidirectional capability for transmission of data, voice, and video at maximum 10Gbps data rate by transmitting optical beams through free air instead of optical glass fiber cable cores. 

FSO communication is used at large-scale in navigation and telecommunication sector, especially in satellite platform as this flexible, easily-installable network is able to operate for longer distances and delivers relatively better bandwidth than broadband with very low initial investment. The aerospace & defense sector makes proper use of this secure, undetectable system with low error rate, owing to immunity to radio frequency interference and can operate over wide temperature range with low power consumption. 

This high-speed network is used in hazardous environments such as oil & gas and mining industries as it requires low maintenance and provides instant service to consumers as transmission of optical beam in air has speed of light, thus enhancing product quality standards in the market. Growth in innovations in wireless communication technology with introduction of optical angular momentum using twisted photon for higher-bandwidth transmission implies that the free space optic communication market share is anticipated to grow at exponentially high rate in the coming years.

The global free space optic communication market is segmented on the basis of type, transmission type, component, application, industry vertical, and region. Based on type, the market is divided into short range, medium range, and long range. In terms of transmission type, the free space optic communication market is bifurcated into unidirectional and bidirectional. On the basis of component, the market is divided into transmitter, modulator, transceiver, receiver, demodulator, and others. 

In terms of application, the free space optic communication market is segmented into mobile backhaul, disaster recovery, data transmission, security & surveillance, and others. On the basis of industry vertical, the market is categorized into consumer electronics, aerospace & defense, IT & telecommunication, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, and others. Geographically, the market is analyzed across several regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America, Middle East & Africa (LAMEA).

Key players operating in the global free space optic communication industry include Anova Technologies, General Electric Co., Fujitsu Ltd., Trimble Hungary Kft, Wireless Excellence Ltd., L3Harris Technologies Inc., Mostcom Ltd., Plaintree Systems Inc., Mynaric AG, and Space Photonics Inc. These companies have adopted several strategies such as product launches, partnerships, collaborations, mergers & acquisitions, and joint ventures to strengthen their foothold in the global free space optic communication market. 

Top Impacting Factors

Surge in adoption of secure and high-speed optical wireless communication for high connectivity applications such as security, surveillance, last mile connectivity, backhaul, disaster recovery and increased use of bi-directional, energy-efficient technology with no limitation for bandwidth or RF spectrum bandwidth crunch are primary factors that drive the free space optic communication industry growth.

However intense competition, owing to alternative technologies such as optical fiber, degradation of power density of optical beam of signal for atmospheric interference such as fog, heavy rain, wind load, mild earthquake, and high initial cost of installation are obstacles, which hampers the free space optic communication market growth. 

Contrarily this ground-breaking technology is suitable for use in the healthcare sector in operation theatres, near MRI scanners as well as for asset tracking, data monitoring as it does not cause any electromagnetic interference. Integration of advanced technologies and its incorporation in 3G, 4G, and 5G networks are anticipated to pave new avenues for the free space optic communication market growth.

New Product Launches to Flourish the Market

Key free space optic communication market players took necessary steps to offer faster paths to higher bandwidth capacity, which makes this technology a permanent solution for remote areas globally where fiber optic networks are not economically viable. In January 2020, Ericsson, Multinational Networking and Telecommunications Company, and VodafoneZiggo, a joint venture of Liberty Global and Vodafone, opened 5G Hub at High Tech Campus Eindhoven. 

In April 2020, Aircision announced it readiness to field test laser-based 5G communication technology based on structured laser-beam technology that enables long-range, 100GB/sec high reliable data transmission. The free-space optics solution is more resistant to atmospheric effects such as fog and has brought improvement by overcoming limits on distance and latency.

Surge in Use in Industrial and Automotive Application

Free space optic communication, a segment of optical wireless communication technology, utilize visible spectrum wavelength for high-speed unidirectional and bi-directional data transmission in automobiles for vehicle-vehicle communication, location-based services, and intelligent transportation systems, which eases congestion in lower radio frequency bands.

In March 2019, LightPointe Inc., a leading manufacturer of outdoor wireless bridges for enterprise connectivity solved wireless network saturation and interference issues for JPCatholic. LightPointe deployed 10Gbps full-duplex product, AireLink 60-10Gig that provides reliable, high performance along with 10 times bandwidth of previous network capacity.

In February 2020, Tim Kane, professor of Electrical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University along with his team has custom built his own transceivers supplemented with image-tracking using COTS (Commercial-off-the-shelf) components as well as MEMS-based fine-tuned beam steering mirror array.

Key Benefits of the Stakeholders

• The study gives an analytical overview of the free space optic communication market forecast with current trends and future estimations to determine imminent investment pockets.
• The report provides information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities along with detailed free space optic communication market analysis.
• The current free space optic communication market trends are quantitatively analyzed from 2020 to 2027.
• Porter’s five forces analysis illustrates the potency of buyers & suppliers in the market. 

Market Scope and Structure Analysis

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

• The COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, logistical hub of China and worldwide has led to shutdown scenario and transportation restrictions to contain the spread of the virus. Wuhan alone accounts for 20% of China’s perform capacity in the free space optic (FSO) communication industry and ongoing disruption is causing discernible effect to domestic and overall global supply. Assessment of the impact of the virus on the global optical communication industry presently is highly speculative.
• Contrarily use of environment-friendly FSO communication system in satellite technology is finding crucial role at micro and macro level to provide information about lockdown scenario in highways, tourist destination, and critical assessment of medical facilities and mortuaries based on satellite imageries.
• In May 2020, China employed its native BeiDou Navigation Satellite System to help control the disease by tracking accurate position of critically infected patients to monitor cargo transportation to reduce risk of cross-infection. In addition, global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-based autonomous drones are used for large-scale disinfection while reducing risk to manual workers.

Free Space Optic Communication Market Key Segments  

Questions Answered in the Free Space Optic Communication Market Research Report

• Who are the leading market players active in the free space optic communication market?
• What would be the detailed impact of COVID-19 on the free space optic communication market size?
• What current trends would influence the market in the next few years?
• What are the driving factors, restraints, and opportunities in the free space optic communication market?
• What are the projections for the future that would help in taking further strategic steps?