SEPTEMBER 25, 2007 -- Corning Cable Systems (search for Corning Cable Systems) today announced two new drop cables based on its recently released nanoStructures technology (See "Corning intros new bend-insenstive fiber technology"). According to the company, ClearCurve Rugged Drop Cable and ClearCurve Compact Drop Cable are enabled by a truly bend-insensitive optical fiber that results in virtually no attenuation loss even when bent to a minimum bend radius of 5 mm.
The drop cables are part of Corning's newly introduced ClearCurve suite of products. Using nanoStructures technology, ClearCurve Drop Cables solve historical technical challenges for telecommunications carriers installing fiber-to-the-home (search for FTTH) networks in apartment buildings and condominium complexes, say company representatives.
ClearCurve Rugged Drop Cable is 4.8 mm in diameter and is designed for applications where other physical cable protection, such as microduct, is neither available nor desired. Offering significant protection of the optical fiber, the cable has a self-bend-limiting feature that prevents the fiber from exceeding the 5-mm minimum bend radius no matter how the cable is bent. Therefore, the cable can be handled in any way that copper communication cables are handled, such as pulling through wall studs and stapling to wood, say company representatives. The cable is available in two versions: One for indoor/outdoor use that is fully water-blocked with a black UV-resistant outer jacket, and a second for indoor use, available with a neutrally colored jacket. Both versions are riser-rated (OFNR) for vertical riser and general-purpose horizontal applications.
ClearCurve Compact Drop Cable is 2.9 mm in diameter and is also available with a neutrally colored jacket. This cable is designed for applications to and within the living unit where superior bending performance is needed, but the cable is protected from severe crushing or kinking forces such as along door frames and molding, in raceway or in micro-duct, says Corning. The cable is riser-rated (OFNR) for vertical riser and general-purpose horizontal applications.
While providing the same installation simplicity as copper communication cable, ClearCurve Drop Cables outperform these cable alternatives by providing higher bandwidth-carrying capacity, smaller outer diameter, lighter weight, and a smaller bend radius, note company representatives.
ClearCurve Drop Cables and other ClearCurve products will be featured in Corning's booth (#102) at the 2007 Fiber to the Home Conference, to be held from September 30 - October 4, 2007, in Orlando, FL.
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