Fiber-optic connectivity specialist Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLFD) says it has launched the FieldSmart Flex Box, a flexible wall box that applies its FieldShield design philosophy to multi-dwelling units (MDUs) for equipping service providers with a fast path to subscriber revenue. The Flex Box is an expansion of Clearfield's FieldSmart Small Count Delivery (SCD) wall box line that provides installation ease by interconnecting different types of media and pathways into a single fiber distribution and aggregation point.
Clearfield's FieldSmart Flex Box applies a building block design philosophy to the MDU or multi-tenant unit (MTU) environment by building on the company's work in pushable fiber and microduct pathways. Carriers intending to deploy fiber services in dense urban environments and suburban developments alike will benefit from the FieldSmart Flex Box, Clearfield states.
"MDU/MTU environments are very challenging as every apartment, condo or commercial building is unique. Designers face a constant challenge of how to architect universal and flexible solutions that simplify project planning, lower the cost of deployment and accelerate turn-up time," said Johnny Hill, Clearfield's chief operating officer. "The features of the Flex Box dramatically simplify installation and reduce start-up times, helping deliver a faster time to market and lowering the barrier to entry for new service introduction."
The FieldSmart Flex Box integrates and distributes various media with a single, modular connection point. Removable aggregator plates allow different fiber types to pass through ports where custom media applications or fiber cascading are necessary, according to Clearfield.
The FieldSmart Flex Box can accommodate direct connection of FieldShield Microduct, which provides a fiber delivery pathway for fast connection and deployment of pre-terminated, factory-tested pushable and pullable FieldShield Fiber, through the Clearview Cassette, SmartRoute Plate, or the recently developed Drop Wheel technology. Service providers can now deliver multiple 900 µm fiber distribution lengths of up to 200 feet with a single SKU with the FieldShield Drop Wheel, removing the requirement of fiber slack management without compromising end-to-end, plug-and-play functionality, Clearfield says.
Finally, the reversible door and dual side lock security options provide dual-direction mounting options sufficient for the desired pathway. Technician's time on-site for installations will decrease with this simplified approach, Clearfield maintains. With its reduced complexity, less technical training with field service teams will be necessary, the company adds. The Flex Box's ability to house optical splitters and a variety of additional connectivity options enable it to be configured for point-to-point, centralized split, and distributed split applications.
The Flex Box has a NEMA 4 rating for indoor and outdoor environments, and a flammability rating of 5VA (UL 94), says Clearfield.
Clearfield will display the FieldSmart Flex Box at the SCTE Cable Tec Expo 2017 in Denver, CO, October 18-20, and at the rescheduled ISE EXPO in November 2017.
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