Harsh Environment Fiber Optic Connector Market Size, Share Global Analysis Report, 2022-2028

Industry Insights

[209+ Pages Report] According to Facts and Factors, during the forecast period of 2022 to 2028, the global harsh environment fiber optic connector market is estimated to develop at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. The global harsh environment fiber optic connector market was worth USD 5.2 billion in 2021, and it is anticipated to exceed USD 7.5 billion by 2028. The study investigates several elements and their consequences on the growth of the global harsh environment fiber optic connector market. 

Market Overview

Fiber optic connectors are mechanical devices attached to the end of a fiber cable that allows it to be connected to telecommunications equipment such as a cable, a receiver, or a light source. They connect the cores of microscopic fibers so that light pulses can transit through them and communicate. These devices create temporary connections, allowing them to be quickly joined and disconnected. 

Rugged and unforgiving environments, whether natural or man-made, cataclysmic or catastrophic, necessitate the use of high-performance fiber optic connectors. To ensure adequate optical, environmental, and mechanical performance, an appropriate connector is required. The applications that require harsh environment fiber optic (HEFO) connectors are defined by their extreme surroundings, severe conditions, and misuse.

Fiber optics are increasingly being used in military and aerospace applications. Because they are strenuous and dynamic, these harsh environments, whether on land, sea, air, or space, place additional demands on connectors and components. These applications typically require action under one or more of the "harsh" conditions listed below:

• Steady levels of sustained vibration and turbulence, as found in avionics and automobiles.
• Extremely elevated levels of shock and vibration, like during a space launch or a gunshot.
• Constant temperature cycling, as with satellites and engine compartments.
• High humidity and corrosive conditions, as with shipboard and other marine environments.

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant impact on the global harsh environment fiber optic connector market. Manufacturing industries are being forced to close their doors due to the global lockdown imposed by the majority of countries. Such stringent guidelines have had a negative impact on fiber optic connector production and demand, causing supply chain and market instability. There are numerous multifaceted supply-chain pathways in the market, with assemblies passing from manufacturers to consumers via system integrators, primary contractors, and subsystem manufacturers, among others.

Industry Growth Factors

• Growing demand for fiber optic connectors to boost the market growth

The internet is a vast network of interconnected computers. Fiber optic cables are used to transmit information from one point to another, and they serve as the internet's backbone. Internet usage is influenced by the increasing importance of cloud computing, data transmission & storage, IoT, and increased internet usage will drive market growth. The rising use of LC connectors for multi-fiber connectors will also contribute to the growth of the global harsh environment fiber optic connector market.

Restraints

• Alternative technologies to hinder the market growth

The advent of wireless communication to exploit the internet is the most basic challenge faced by fiber-optic connector manufacturers. As a result of technological advancements, wireless technology has improved in terms of speed and features. In both the domestic and commercial sectors, wireless local area networks (WLAN) have become the most preferred method of accessing the Internet, indicating a significant market shift towards wireless systems.

Segmentation Analysis

The global harsh environment fiber optic connector market is segregated on the basis of type, end-user, and region.

By type, the market is divided into the outdoor connector, quick-lock outdoor connector, and ruggedized exchangeable SFP connector. Outdoor connector (ODC) with 2 or 4 fibers is a very strong connector that can withstand any installation hazard and does not allow for handling errors. ODC improves installation reliability and ensures peak performance. There are two kinds of Quick-lock outdoor connectors; one with 2, 12, or 24 fibers is a more advanced version of ODC designed for applications with a high number of connectors and/or vibrations, and the other is an LC duplex-based connector system with the best blind mateable fiber optic connector in its class for direct connection to an SFP module.

The ruggedized exchangeable SFP connector is a basic LC duplex interface that allows for the exchange and maintenance of SFP modules. By end-user, the market is divided into aerospace, military, industrial, and commercial.

Report Scope

Regional Landscape

During the forecast period, North America is thought to be the major region for the global harsh environment fiber optic connector market. North America is the aerospace and defense industry's manufacturing hub, with a diverse range of large-to-small manufacturers, notch players, and connector manufacturers. The major drivers of the harsh environment fiber optic connector market in this region are increasing Boeing and Bombardier aircraft deliveries, high demand for Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft, and a large aircraft fleet size.

During the forecast period, Asia Pacific is expected to grow the most. The start-up of commercial aircraft OEM assembly plants in China, rising demand for military aircraft, and upcoming indigenous commercial & regional aircraft, such as the Comac C919 and Mitsubishi MRJ, fueled by rising passenger traffic, are all expected to drive demand for harsh environment fiber optic connectors in the region.

Recent Development

• November 2021: FS.COM, a provider of high-speed communication solutions for enterprises, data centers, and telecom networks, announced a partnership with Rosenberger, a leading manufacturer of high-speed interconnect solutions, to supply Q-RMC and NEX10-FO outdoor connectors for dependable and durable fiber connectivity in exterior harsh environments.
• February 2022: Neutrik Americas, a subsidiary company of Neutrik AG and a member of the Neutrik Group, has introduced the FIBERFOX Fiber Optic Connection System. Neutrik's FIBERFOX Fiber Optic Connection System, designed to meet the requirements of MIL-DTL-83526 military specifications, is the optimal solution for use in harsh environments thanks to its expanded-beam fiber-optic connectivity, which makes them an exceptional choice for use in dirty, dusty environments.

Competitive Landscape

Some of the main competitors dominating the global harsh environment fiber optic connector market are :

• Conec Elektronische Bauelemente GmbH 
• Fischer Connectors S.A. 
• HUBER+SUHNER 
• Souriau- Esterline 
• LEMO S.A. 
• Amphenol 
• Smiths Interconnect 
• Wieland Electric GmbH 
• ODU GmbH and Co. 
• Lapp Holding AG 
• Molex 
• Xiamen Wain Electrical Co. Ltd 
• Walther-Werke 
• Multi-Contact 
• Phoenix Contact GmbH and Co 
• Weidmuller Holding AG and Co 
• HARTING Technology Group 
• TE Connectivity 
• Glenair Inc 

The global harsh environment fiber optics connector market is segmented as follows;

By Type Segment Analysis

• Outdoor Connector
• Quick-Lock Outdoor Connector
• Ruggedized Exchangeable SFP Connector

By End-User Segment Analysis

• Aerospace
• Military
• Industrial
• Commercial

By Regional Segment Analysis

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • Rest of North America
• Europe
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Nordic countries
    • Denmark
    • Finland
    • Iceland
    • Sweden
    • Norway
  • Benelux Reunion
    • Belgium
    • The Netherlands
    • Luxembourg
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • New Zealand
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
    • Indonesia
    • Thailand
    • Malaysia
    • Singapore
    • Rest of Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• The Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt
  • Kuwait
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America