Free-Space Optics ’Onslaught’ Coming

Nonfiber optical communication, known as free-space communication, could be a $1 billion market by 2003 and a more than $4 billion market by 2005, according to a study conducted by Allied Business Intelligence of Oyster Bay, N.Y.

The study says the market for free-space optical transceivers this year will be about $492 million, but the stagnant market is suddenly booming. In particular, applications are expanding for wireless links in private networks, allowing operators to expand without laying fiber links.

Details about the study, "Free Space Optics: Technologies and Opportunities in the Carrier Class Network," are available on the company's Web site, www.alliedworld.com.