AFL now offers the Apex line of fiber-optic splice closures. The line, which begins with the X-2 and smaller X-2S closures, leverage a proprietary wedge-based gel sealing system to provide reliable, high-density accommodation of as many as 3456 fibers when paired with AFL’s LM-series MicroCore cable or Wrapping Tube Cable with SpiderWeb Ribbon.
The Apex system features six entry ports with pre-installed plugs, each with their own ground, which provide access via a tool-less release mechanism to the six splice trays. The trays offer universal splice modules that can hold single-fusion, mass-fusion, and mechanical splices as well as other devices such as passive optical splitters. An integrated O-ring ensures a secure fit of the closure’s cap. The wedge-based gel sealing system both reduces installation time and increases reliability, AFL says.
The X-2 features a 25-inch dome that can accommodate up to 3456 splices of 200-µm high-density ribbon fiber such as AFL’s SpiderWeb Ribbon; the 20-inch X-2S can support 1728 such splices. The smaller and lighter (22 lbs without trays, versus the 25 lbs of the X-2) X-2S would be well suited for applications such as handholds, according to an AFL source. Both closures are Telcordia GR-771 compliant and can support up to 16 drop cables with an expressed distribution cable using multi-drop entry kits.
“When I started my career in fiber optics as a field engineer, performing a 144-fiber backbone splice was considered a timely affair,” explained Will Miller, senior product manager for AFL’s Outside Plant Cable and Connectivity products. “With today’s fiber counts as high as 6,912, splice closure manufacturers have had to retrofit solutions to find compatibility with these increased densities. The Apex splice closures are designed with high density in mind. No retrofitting required.”
AFL is now accepting orders for the closures, with shipments slated to begin later this month. The company says additional sizes with lower and higher capacities will be unveiled in 2021.
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.