Collaboration with SMEs to Commercialize 11 Types of Parts, Reducing Dependence on Japan
Import substitution and overseas expansion of 25Gbps 5G optical source devices
Next year, we aim to commercialize 10 new products and generate 8 billion won in sales.


Optical communication components are attracting attention as a key component of 5G networks. 5G networks require a denser base station configuration than LTE, leading to the widespread adoption of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) over the existing point-to-point approach.

The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced on the 29th that in preparation for 5G commercialization, it has successfully commercialized 11 products in collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for core telecommunications components, generating a total of 2.7 billion won in sales. The commercialization projects pursued by the research institute are expected to continue to generate revenue as the 5G market expands.

Wavelength multiplexing is a method of sending multiple optical signals of different wavelengths through a single strand of optical fiber. Recently, demand for products capable of 25 Gbps or more per channel is increasing in line with the 5G network advancement plans of the three major mobile carriers. However, there is still a high dependence on Japan for core optical components.

Moreover, the trend toward small-quantity, diversified products that require the development of separate optical components for each wavelength band due to the expansion of the number of channels through wavelength multiplexing, and the pressure to shorten the development period to secure a competitive edge, are putting a burden on the commercialization of technologies by small and medium-sized optical communication component companies.

ETRI Honam Research Center and eight optical communication component companies (Oi Solution Co., Ltd., Eldis Co., Ltd., Corset Co., Ltd., Optella Co., Ltd., Geos Technology Co., Ltd., ChemOptix Co., Ltd., Wooriro Co., Ltd., and Optisys Co., Ltd.) have been working on the commercialization of related products since last year through the ‘Optical Communication Components Commercialization Project for Intelligent Information Networks’ with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Information Society Agency (NIA).

ETRI announced that it has developed 20 types of optical communication products through its business initiatives. In particular, 25 Gbps optical source devices, previously heavily reliant on Japan, have achieved approximately 2 billion won in sales through companies such as Eldis and Oi Solutions, contributing to import substitution for domestic 5G optical components and entry into the Chinese market.

Officials anticipate that sales will rapidly increase next year, with the market for 25 Gbps optical communication components for 5G networks expected to become active, and the resulting ripple effects, including import substitution, will be maximized. The research team plans to commercialize approximately 10 additional products by next year, including optical communication components for 5G networks and data centers, generating 8 billion won in sales.