Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLFD) has unveiled the FastPass approach to fiber distribution hub (FDH) connectivity. Based on in-cassette splicing, use of FastPass can double the number of homes passed within a given timeframe as well as save costs, Clearfield asserts.
FastPass in-cassette splicing using the Clearview Cassette obviates the need for a separate splice tray as well as several of the requirements associated with such trays: cable stubs, splice closures, and the vault needed to store the splice closure and cable stub slack. Network deployers can thus save more than $1000 per FDH cabinet, Clearfield states. The splicing procedure is otherwise the same, except that it occurs in the cassette, which can be removed if required.
Meanwhile, the associated time savings also will benefit network deployers, particularly operators working on a deadline imposed via federal and state broadband funding programs. “The need to reduce the time required for fiber homes passed is becoming mission critical for broadband providers across the country,” commented Jeff Heynen, vice president, broadband access and home networking at Dell’Oro Group, via a Clearfield press release. “Fiber deployments are a land grab right now and whoever gets to the consumer first wins. Clearfield’s FastPass approach challenges the status quo of FDH cabinet installation methods and provides a way for broadband operators to jump to the front of the line for their customers.”
“As fiber broadband deployments rise with federal infrastructure funding, the ability to deploy fiber faster, and at a lower cost, is a clear competitive advantage for any operator,” added Kevin Morgan, chief marketing officer at Clearfield. “Industry observers predict more homes will be passed with fiber in the next five years than has been deployed to date, and Clearfield is committed to helping our customers deploy fiber first as they enter new markets, start new builds, and look to close the digital divide for everyone.”
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