Transport Network Strategies

Operators are transforming their networks to support the rise in data volumes and the increased expectations for data quality. These trends are accelerating the deployment of FTTx and 5G, with a profound knock-on impact on the transport domain in terms of technologies, spending patterns and asset ownership.

Analysys Mason’s Transport Network Strategies programme explores the main developments that will affect this market over the coming 8–10 years, and focuses on technologies and business models in Layers 0–2 of the network. It examines emerging technologies and architecture, and forecasts spending on transport networks and services by communications service providers (CSPs) and other deployers such as hyperscalers and infracos.

The programme also uses extensive stakeholder interviews and surveys to analyse key vendor opportunities and provides a detailed forecast of the total addressable market for suppliers.

The programme’s methodologies for revenue forecasting and CSP surveys are consistent with those used for our complementary programmes such as Next-Generation Wireless Networks and provide a unique perspective on the rising trend to plan 5G-era networks from end to end.

Key themes

• Convergence of transport networks to support multiple fixed and mobile access networks
• Convergence of IP with optical technologies in new transport solutions
• Impact of rising traffic volumes and QoS expectations on transport spending and architecture
• xHaul, including new backhaul investments to support the capacity requirements of 5G, and fronthaul/midhaul to enable new virtualised RAN and Open RAN architecture
• Changing ownership patterns for long-haul transport networks, including key investors and sharing models in cross-national transport networks and subsea lines
• Evolution from appliances to white boxes in routing and switching and the related economic implications
• Deployment and management strategies for end-to-end 5G networks