Active Optical Cable Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Type (Ethernet, InfiniBand, HDMI, PCI Express (PCIe), Thunderbolt, Others), By Technology (InfiniBand, Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB, Others), By Application (Data Center, High-Performance Computing, Personal Computing, Digital Signage, Consumer Electronics, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

The active optical cable market was valued at US$574.618 million in 2021.

Active Optical Cable (AOC) is a high-speed, plug-and-play optical cable that incorporates active electronics to enable faster and more reliable data transmission over short distances. It combines optical fibers and integrated circuits to transmit high-bandwidth signals.

The active optical cable (AOC) market refers to the need for high-speed, plug-and-play optical cables to transmit data over short distances. They contain active electronics that allow faster data transmission than traditional copper cables. AOCs are used in data centers, high-performance computing, telecommunications, consumer electronics, and automotive applications, offering higher bandwidth, lower latency, and lower power consumption. The growing demand for high-speed data transmission drives the AOC market, aided by investments in cloud computing, big data analytics, 5G networks, and virtual and augmented reality. The key players are investing heavily in R&D to improve their products and expand their market presence. However, the high cost of AOCs compared to traditional copper cables is a restraint, as is their limited suitability for longer distances where copper cables may still be preferred.

The active optical cable market is driven by the increasing demand for higher bandwidth in data-intensive applications and high-performance computing (HPC) environments and the rapid expansion of data centers.

The increasing demand for higher bandwidth in data-intensive applications like cloud computing, big data analytics, and high-performance computing (HPC) is driving the active optical cable (AOC) market. AOCs are crucial in data centers, enabling efficient data transfer between servers and storage systems. In HPC environments, AOCs facilitate ultra-fast data transmission between computing nodes, supporting scientific research and machine learning. With their higher bandwidth capabilities, AOCs meet the demands of these applications, making them essential for the growth of data centers and HPC sectors.

The rapid global expansion of data centers is a significant quantitative driver for the active optical cable (AOC) market. AOCs play a crucial role in data centers by providing high-speed connectivity for interconnecting servers, storage systems, and networking equipment. With their higher bandwidth and lower latency, AOCs enable efficient data transmission, optimizing overall system performance. The increasing demand for cloud computing, growing data storage needs, and the rise of digital services drive the expansion of data centers, fueling the demand for AOCs as an essential component in supporting scalable and high-performance infrastructure.

Market Developments:

• In March 2022, SmartAVLink, a leading active optical cable (AOC) manufacturer, launched its next-generation USB Type C AOC. The cable, available in lengths of up to 10 meters (33 feet), features built-in active circuitry powered by both ends, eliminating the need for an external power supply. It supports power delivery of up to 60 watts, offers backward compatibility with previous USB standards, and is compatible with Thunderbolt devices.
• In December 2021, Opticis introduced its HDMI 2.0 active optical cables (AOC), LHM2-P, and LHM2-N. These AOCs offer flawless signal integrity and transparent transmission over plenum-graded cable. They support 4K HDMI 2.0 signals up to 100m without scaling or data compression. LHM2-N operates without external power, while LHM2-P provides installation flexibility. Both cables comply with HDMI standards.
• In June 2020, Silicon Line GmbH launched a sampling program for its HDMI 2.1 active optical cable modules, targeting OEMs and 8K TV manufacturers. The modules support HDMI 2.1 specifications, including 48 Gbps bandwidth and an enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC). They also offer the advantage of not requiring external power and are backward compatible with HDMI 2.0 and 1.4 specifications.

The thunderbolt segment is projected to witness strong growth during the forecast period.

The Thunderbolt-based active optical cable (AOC) market demonstrates significant growth potential. Thunderbolt's high-speed data transfer, video output, and power delivery capabilities make it desirable for media, entertainment, and data-intensive applications. Thunderbolt AOCs provide reliable connections over longer distances without signal degradation, meeting the needs of professional-grade applications. They offer compatibility with various devices and eliminate the limitations of traditional copper cables. However, challenges include competition from alternative technologies and broader industry adoption. Despite these challenges, Thunderbolt AOCs are poised for growth due to their performance, versatility, and increasing industry adoption. Technological advancements, evolving demands, and competition from emerging technologies will shape the market's future.

Asia Pacific accounted for a significant share of the global active optical cable market.

Based on geography, the active optical cable market is segmented into North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is a rapidly growing active optical cable (AOC) market due to several key factors. The region's robust IT and telecommunications sectors, particularly in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, drive the demand for high-speed data transmission and connectivity solutions, including AOCs—the rapid expansion of data centers to support cloud computing and big data analytics further fuels market growth. The booming consumer electronics market in the Asia Pacific, with the proliferation of smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming devices, creates a strong demand for AOCs to enable high-resolution video streaming and seamless device connectivity. Government initiatives, such as Smart City projects and broadband expansion, contribute to the growing adoption of AOCs. Additionally, the region's emerging economies and active research and development activities drive innovation and technological advancements in the AOC market. Overall, Asia Pacific's increasing need for high-speed connectivity and advanced networking solutions positions it as a significant driver of growth in the AOC market.

Active Optical Cable Market Scope:

Market Segmentation:

• BY TYPE
  • Ethernet
  • InfiniBand
  • HDMI
  • PCI Express (PCIe)
  • Thunderbolt
  • Others
• BY TECHNOLOGY
  • InfiniBand
  • Ethernet
  • HDMI
  • DisplayPort
  • USB
  • Others
• BY APPLICATION
  • Data Centers
  • High-Performance Computing
  • Digital Signage
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Others
• BY GEOGRAPHY
  • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • United Kingdom
    • Spain
    • Others
  • Middle East And Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Israel
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Indonesia
    • Taiwan
    • Others