High-Speed Cable Market to Hit $25B by 2031
- Global high-speed cable market to hit $24.99B by 2031, driven by data center growth, 5G rollout, and enterprise IT infrastructure upgrades.
Enterprise IT and Data Center Expansion Fuel Demand
The global high-speed cable market is projected to surge from $12.9 billion in 2024 to $24.99 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 10.2%. This growth is largely driven by rising investments in enterprise IT infrastructure and the rapid deployment of data centers. As organizations adopt edge computing, hybrid cloud, and AI/ML workloads, the need for low-latency, high-throughput interconnects has intensified. Technologies like Active Electrical Cables (AECs), Active Optical Cables (AOCs), and Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables are increasingly used to support 25G, 100G, and 400G Ethernet environments.
5G Networks Accelerate Cable Innovation
The rollout of 5G networks has created new demand for short-range, high-speed interconnects. Passive DACs, which offer low latency and minimal power consumption, are widely deployed in O-RAN cell sites and edge data centers. These cables support speeds up to 100 Gb/s and consume up to 97% less power per port than fiber solutions. As 5G traffic density grows, DACs are essential for enabling efficient backhaul and intra-cabinet connections. Their cost-effectiveness and reliability make them a preferred choice for telecom operators and infrastructure providers.
Regional and Segment Insights
North America led the market in 2024, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific, with APAC expected to post the highest growth rate through 2031. The RF AOC segment held the largest market share by type, while switch-to-switch interconnects dominated by application. Key players include Amphenol, Molex, NVIDIA, and TE Connectivity. Recent launches, such as Amphenol’s 1.6T active copper cable and Molex’s PCIe systems, reflect ongoing innovation in the space.
Interesting Insight Passive DACs not only reduce power consumption but also lower cooling demands in data centers. Their durability under physical stress makes them ideal for high-density environments, helping operators cut operating costs while maintaining performance. With smart cities and EVs driving data needs, high-speed cables are becoming foundational to next-gen infrastructure.
