The convergence of transmission systems for submarine and terrestrial applications has long been anticipated and debated, but how realistic is this convergence theory? Much of the analysis often points to similarities in the technologies used in each sector, but other factors, including industry financial drivers, should also be examined.
The turmoil in the telecommunications industry over the last twelve months is without precedent. The capital spending drought by carriers is much deeper than anyone expected and even incumbent service providers are much weaker than previously thought and the degree of competition among service providers and equipment vendors remains 19
very high. In sum, pressures for major changes in the industry are running high. This article will detail some of the industry pressures and how the adoption of several technologies pioneered in the submarine world are now changing the terrestrial optical networking equipment, which may ultimately benefit the submarine market.