Clearfield (NASDAQ:CLFD) has introduced the SmartRoute Infinity Panel, a 1RU fiber patch panel intended for common deployment in MSO headends, central offices or data centers.
The SmartRoute Infinity Panel is designed to eliminate the need for up-front planning of precise fiber lengths on pre-terminated inter-facility fiber cable (IFC) assemblies used within a building for cross-connecting or interconnecting fibers. The figure-eight rod assembly is designed to provide bend radius protection for the A2 micro-distribution cable equipped with SC or LC adapters on the front and MPO, SC or LC breakouts on the far end. Packaged into a single panel, the rod assemblies are intended to relieve cable congestion, simplify ordering and minimize labor and installation costs.
"Fiber deployments are both time-consuming and labor-intensive processes that require efficiency and intelligent planning to ensure a reasonable return on investment," said Jeff Heynen, research director, broadband access, Dell'Oro Group. "We see the North American fiber market continuing to grow, with deep fiber deployments from MSOs, telcos, municipalities, utilities, and rural broadband providers as they look to extend the range and reach of their services and capture subscriber share in key markets."
The SmartRoute Infinity Panel i contains either one internal rod assembly that holds 200 feet of IFC microcable or two internal rod assemblies that hold up to 100 feet each of IFC microcable. The panel provides either 24-SC or 48-LC connectors in front along with single-fiber SC or LC breakouts or multifiber push on (MPO) connections on the rear. The figure-eight rod technology is intended to allow an installer to pull the exact amount of cable required from the panel and leave the remaining slack safely stored.
"When we see a need in the market, we act. Designing new technologies and solutions that allow customers to deploy and manage their networks in the most time and cost-efficient way is top of mind for Clearfield," said Kevin Morgan, chief marketing officer, Clearfield. "We will continue to meet and exceed the needs of customers by adding solutions that are most beneficial to their businesses."