Corning combines improved attenuation and bend performance in new SM28 Ultra fiber

Corning Inc. has released the latest addition to its family of singlemode optical fibers, Corning SMF-28 Ultra fiber. The fiber and cable maker says the new, premium singlemode optical fiber is the first in the market to combine the benefits of very low attenuation and improved macrobend performance in the same fiber (see “Bend matters, Part 1: A look at macrobending”).

Designed for high performance across the range of long-haul, metro, access, and particularly fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network applications, this new optical fiber is fully backward compatible with the installed base of legacy singlemode fibers.

“SMF-28 Ultra fiber changes the game when it comes to choosing the right singlemode fiber for your network,” said Barry Linchuck, division vice president and director, worldwide marketing, Corning Optical Fiber. “Previously, network operators had to choose whether to improve the attenuation or macrobend performance but now they can have both. This unique combination is made possible through revolutionary process innovations developed by Corning that deliver lower attenuation and improved macrobend performance with no design tradeoffs.”

The improved attenuation of SMF-28 Ultra fiber provides additional margin that can be used to extend spans, lengthen the distance between regenerators, increase the allowable number of cable-cuts, or allow for the broader use of pre-connectorized cables, the company says.

The improved macrobend performance provides greater margins for bends that regularly occur in the field during installation and maintenance, and enables the design and deployment of smaller and lighter cables that can improve duct use and smaller enclosures, or reduce pole/tower loading in aerial deployments.

The new optical fiber has a 9.2-µm mode-field diameter, which is equivalent to the majority of standard singlemode fibers on the market today and allows for seamless integration into existing networks, according to Corning.

Corning will demonstrate the performance of its new SMF-28 Ultra optical fiber this week at the OFC/NFOC conference in Anaheim, CA.

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