对下一代海底电缆网络的需求（英文版）_13页_3mb

Summary of "SUBMARINE NETWORK NEEDS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION"

Core Content

This document provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of submarine networks, telecommunications, media, and digital services, with a focus on the next generation of industry needs and investment trends. It highlights the impact of content and cloud providers on network infrastructure, the role of digital transformation in the telecoms sector, and the opportunities for operators in the cloud market.

Main Topics and Predictions for 2018

1. Submarine Cable Industry Trends

• Structural Changes: The submarine cable industry has seen a significant increase in investment and new cable systems over the past few years. Over 50 new systems have been completed or are under construction, with more planned before 2022.
• Growth Drivers: The demand for international bandwidth is soaring, driven largely by content and cloud providers such as Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft, which account for about 70% of the growth.
• New Investment Areas:
  • Replacement of Older Cables: Upgrading to 100G systems extends the life of existing cables.
  • Diversification for Resilience: Content providers require multiple sea routes to ensure reliability and security.
  • Shorter Regional Routes: These are being developed to support underserved markets and enhance inter-data centre connectivity.
  • New Trans-Ocean Routes: These are being driven by global CDNs to cover regions not currently addressed by Internet giants.

2. SDN in the WAN

• SDN Influence: Web-scale companies are driving the adoption of SDN technologies, pushing for more open and programmable networks.
• Challenges for Operators: The use of OpenFlow and the rise of white-box solutions are challenging traditional router-based infrastructure.
• Tofino and P4 Language: Barefoot Networks' Tofino chip, supporting the P4 programming language, offers a programmable user plane that could revolutionize networking by enabling greater software-based control.
• Opportunities for Operators: While many operators are not yet ready for full SDN adoption, there is potential for them to leverage new SDN-based solutions, such as the dNOS (disaggregated network operating system), to bridge fragmented approaches in data centre and WAN environments.

3. Digital Transformation in EMEA

• Opportunity: Digital transformation is expected to add up to EUR15 billion to EMEA telecoms operators' cash flow by 2021, representing a 50% increase.
• Strategies for Operators:
  • Core Business Development: Providing high-quality connectivity and enhancing the user experience.
  • Enhanced Technology and Operations: Adopting software and cloud platforms to increase network agility.
  • New Business Development: Entering new markets through partnerships and leveraging existing customer relationships and physical presence.
• Challenges:
  • Differentiation: Operators must find ways to stand out in competitive markets.
  • Customer Retention: Digital marketing and bundling strategies are being used to encourage upgrades to premium services.

4. Cloud Market Growth and Telecoms Opportunities

• Cloud Market Growth: Global IT players like Alphabet, Amazon, IBM, and Microsoft are leading the cloud market with high year-on-year growth rates (e.g., AWS, Azure, and Alibaba Cloud grew by over 90%).
• Telecoms Operators' Role:
  • Managed Services: Delivering managed data, security, and private cloud services.
  • Industry Verticals: Focusing on specific sectors where they can offer tailored solutions.
  • Strategic Positioning: Operators can leverage their local presence, customer relationships, and understanding of regional needs to innovate and partner with IT specialists.
• Challenges for Operators:
  • Competition: Public cloud services are dominated by large IT firms, making direct competition unlikely.
  • Revenue Growth: Operators like Deutsche Telekom and NTT are experiencing growth in cloud revenue, though at a slower pace than global IT players.

Key Information

• Content Providers' Influence: They are driving the demand for new submarine cables and shaping the direction of network infrastructure.
• Investment Trends: There is a shift towards virtualised and cloud-based networks, with capex expected to rise from USD6 billion in 2018 to USD50 billion by 2022.
• Security and Resilience: Route diversity and alternative cables are being laid due to the risk of outages and security concerns.
• SDN Adoption: The open programmable user plane is a key development in SDN, with potential to change the WAN landscape. Operators and vendors must respond to avoid losing influence.
• Digital Transformation: Offers significant financial rewards, but requires strategic investment and partnership with other entities.
• Cloud Market: Telecoms operators are well-positioned to provide managed and private cloud services, especially in regulated or localised markets.

Conclusion

The submarine cable industry and the broader telecoms sector are undergoing significant transformation, driven by the rise of content and cloud providers, the adoption of SDN and cloud technologies, and the push for digital innovation. Operators must adapt by investing in new infrastructure, embracing SDN, and leveraging their strengths in local markets and customer relationships to remain competitive and capture value in the evolving landscape.