Optical Communication Market Review Industry Vs Research Presented by Amine Faridi For EE-566 Optical Communication

Introduction After achieving their M.S. the question to the students becomes whether to continue their education to obtain a PhD, or to get a job. Overview of the opportunities available either in research or in the industry. Anticipate the market behavior in the short run to see where the jobs are. Brief investigation of what is the latest in optical communications research

PhD or Work? Understand your type of personality: DiSC profile is a personality test to increase self-awarness The model consists of four behavioral dimensions: Dominance, Influence, Conscientiousness and Steadiness. Example High D: Power and authority Opportunities for individual accomplishments Not a good team player Define your goals and motivations

PhD or Work? What about finances? Conclusions: Obvious!! Are you willing to make the sacrifice? EE Engineer Salary BuffaloUS Average Total TA/RA Stipend UBMITCarnegie Mellon UC Berkeley Total The salaries includes compensations and bonuses Data Obtained from careerbuilder.com This data is collected from respective university websites

Telecom Market Forecast Telecom spending is projected to increase from 681 billion on 2003 to 920 billion on 2006 because FCC adopted new regulations may induce growth for the market Increase in broadband demand: Projected to 40 million in the US alone. That is 25 million more customer than Spending on high speed internet access is projected to reach $28 billion, up from $10.9 billion. A 26% annual compound growth. Investments will follow to satisfy the demand.

Fiber Forecast New economy needs speed and reliability Underwater Cables face two major obstacles: Aging and increase in demand of data transfer between continents. Home, small and mid business are underserved. Fiber lines are the only choice to connect rural and remote areas. Spending projected for 2006 is $20 billion. Just not enough infrastructure to satisfy a rebound in economy.

Fiber Forecast Network equipment spending: has fallen dramatically in the past three years, but rebound and expansion is projected for the next four years with an average growth of 11%. Spending will not reach $60 billion of the year 2000 but it will reach $30 billion by Excess capacity is seen in some major metro areas but smaller metros know shortage in capacity Huge competition within the cable industry

Fiber Forecast Enterprise equipments spending will grow because: Video and web conference is on the rise. It needs better quality. One of 9/11 effects Equipment aging. LAN is growing because it is becoming a necessity. Projected average growth is 7.5%

Research The National Science Foundation NSF, is granting $3 million to a program of research and education on the Ultra-High-Capacity Optical Communications. This program includes, in part, novel concepts in photonic devices, advanced fiber communication systems, component technologies for broadband optical access. The objective is to enable the continued growth of broadband optical access and high-capacity optical communications into the next decade.

Research MIT Microphotonics Center have signed in 2002 an alliance with Pirelli for optical nanotechnology. Pirelli has invested $2 million only in the first year into a five years program. This joint research will address optical integrated circuits capable of high level functionality. It is aimed for market introduction in 2004 for broadband access in wireless applications

Research UC Berkeley has an intensive optical communications research program. It investigates high-speed, self-routed fiber-optics networks, to fiber-optic and free space systems for wireless communications networks. Photonics and Networking Research Laboratory (PNRL) at Stanford is concentrating on among others: HORNET and Optical Internet.

Last Words How to get in a PhD program? How to get a job? Networking Planning ahead of time Insist but not stalk How to succeed in either PhD or Work Both PhD and Work? Hard work and dedication Creativity At work? Globalization: Expand your mind and reach other cultures. Keep learning: companies programs, e-learning, or traditional night classes.

Questions?!!!

Some References Telecommunication Industry Association, “2003 Telecommunications Market Review and Forecasts”, artech publisher, Inscape publishing, “DiSC personal profile”.