Clearfield (NASDAQ:CLFD) has introduced the FieldSmart Fiber Active Cabinet (FAC) product line for outdoor enclosures. Combining fiber optimization with capacity for active components in a Telcordia GR-487 tested outdoor enclosure, the FAC line is intended for emerging applications like multi-access edge compute (MEC), requiring low-latency fiber connections at the edge of the network in a secure location.
"Current and future broadband technologies require active equipment be placed deeper in the network. These same technologies require that fiber be placed right there alongside them to quickly transport and backhaul content with the lowest latency possible," said Johnny Hill, Clearfield's chief operating officer. "Our customers are expanding their fiber networks, preparing to meet the insatiable bandwidth demands from new technologies like 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT). So having one partner that's able to work with them on any deployment is a benefit."
"Over the last few decades, cabinets once thought to provide extensive services became obsolete or unusable as supplier technologies advanced, leaving customers with stranded investment," said Brent Stucker, co-owner of Datacom Solutions. "With the FieldSmart Fiber Active Cabinet universal approach, service providers not only get cost-effective and proven deployment capabilities but also position themselves to prepare for the unforeseen needs of the future."
The FAC line is designed for modularity and flexibility, while maintaining maximum cooling capability for active electronics. The FAC provides a sealed internal environment where external air and humidity are isolated from the electronic equipment. The FieldSmart FAC product line includes:
- FieldSmart FAC 400 features a 19" vertical frame, accommodating up to 4 RU of active electronics and 192 internal fiber distribution ports for deployment.
- FieldSmart FAC 900 features a 19" vertical frame that can accommodate up to 9 RU of active electronics and up to 576 internal fiber distribution ports for deployment.
- FieldSmart FAC 3200 features two front and rear 16 RU 23" frames that can accommodate up to 32 RU of active electronics while providing up to 432 internal fiber distribution ports for deployments.
- FieldSmart FAC 5400 features two swing frame front and rear 27 RU 23" frames that can accommodate up to 54 RU of active electronics and provides up to 960 internal fiber distribution ports for deployments.
All four FieldSmart Fiber Active Cabinet additions are designed to accommodate standard options such as the rectifier system, battery warmers and field upgradeable fiber bulkheads. The FieldSmart FAC products are scheduled for general availability in March.