Sumitomo Electric Lightwave launches new cables for FTTP/FTTH networks
12 September 2003 Research Triangle Park, NC Lightwave -- Sumitomo Electric Lightwave recently introduced new aerial and buried drop fiber optical cables that enhance Sumitomo's passive product offerings for Fiber-to-the-Premise (FTTP) and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks. The FTTH/FTTP drop cables are designed to run directly into the subscriber's home or building, thereby making the outdoor demarcation point an option in the network.
By utilizing these new cables, telecommunications service providers can transport high-speed data, broadband video, and narrowband telephony simultaneously through a 100% passive optical network to offer completely integrated digital services directly to the subscriber's home.
The new drop cables use standard technologies that aid in multiple accesses and rapid deployment. They increase productivity when splicing to feeder cables and can be factory terminated to create a plug-n-play system that eliminates installation steps, say company representatives.
The figure-8 design of the aerial drop cable contains one to twelve fibers inside an industry standard loose buffer tube to provide a small diameter, lightweight drop cable. The integrated 3-mm stranded steel messenger allows longer aerial span installations and is designed for self-supporting outside plant installations to the premise with maximum typical span lengths of 300 feet under NESC heavy loading conditions. The flame retardant PVC sheath with optimized integral web permits easy and tool-less separation of the messenger and cable core for the installation technician.
Sumitomo's buried drop cables contain up to 12 optical fibers and are 100% all-dielectric for low cost installation, eliminating the need for bonding and grounding. These all-dielectric drop cables have a single flame-retardant outer jacket, and the non-metallic design makes the cables ideal for lashed aerial, buried, and indoor applications. The unique profile of the jacket allows for easy cable entry by slitting between the strength elements and buffer tubes.
The drop cables incorporate PureBand low water peak single-mode fibers, have passed rigorous testing beyond Telcordia standards, and already have been field tested by major telecommunications companies to ensure the cables' performance, durability, and reliability in the FTTX environment.