Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLFD) has unveiled the StreetSmart Small Count Fiber Hand-Off Box, a modular demarcation box for support of 5G roll outs as well as fiber to the premises and DAS. The flexibility of the platform enables service providers to use a single demarcation box for small cell, DAS, and multiple dwelling unit (MDU) fiber delivery applications, says the company.
The StreetSmart Small Count Fiber Hand-Off Box supports termination of up to 12 fibers in one of four box configurations via an angled adapter feature. The feature offers ease of connectivity, cleaning, and testing, says Clearfield. The box’s design enables the carrier fiber to be landed on one side and have craft technician separation from the contractor/installer on the other side. A hinged plate and 216 locking mechanism secures access between craft responsibilities. The GR-771 box can be mounted aerially, on a pole or wall. It also can be concealed inside a mono pole in small cell and DAS networks.
“The market is continuing to see an uptick in the need for rapid fiber deployment to support 5G and other emerging technologies,” commented Stefan Pongratz, vice president and analyst, Dell’Oro Group, via a Clearfield press release. “Recent data from Dell’Oro Group states that CBRS RAN is projected to approach $1.5 billion to $2 billion by 2024. To increase wireless coverage and meet these industry forecasts, the utilization of mid-band small cells to extend fiber further into the network will be vital. Products that are craft-friendly and enable the rapid turn-up of fiber services at a small cell site are key – especially in a 5G world.”
“5G requires fiber to radios that are further out in the network and the further you go into the network, the fewer number of fibers are needed,” added Kevin Morgan, Clearfield’s chief marketing officer. “A traditional problem point for the carriers has been at the fiber hand-off point and until now, there has not been a small form-factor option for 5G or DAS networks for a protected hand off from wireline to wireless that didn’t require advanced training to deploy and support.”
The StreetSmart Small Count Fiber Hand-Off Box will be available for shipment in September 2020.
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