October 1, 2004 Hickory, NC -- Corning Cable Systems has added to its OptiSheath Advantage Terminal Family. The company also has enhanced its OptiTect Cabinet product line, which is designed for passive optical networks for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) applications.
The OptiSheath terminals are optimized for optical access architectures, providing sealed environmental protection and quick and easy incremental connection of subscribers' drop cable. Utilizing OptiFit Advantage Drop Cable Assemblies, the design of the OptiSheath Advantage Terminal enables additional subscribers to be connected without re-entering the terminal. According to Corning Cable Systems, this feature allows the subscriber connection to be made in half the time and at up to 40 percent labor rate savings when compared to traditional installation techniques.
The OptiSheath Advantage Terminal, Aerial Connector, (SCA-6T24) is an additional version designed for the aerial or above-grade fiber access network. Designed to install easily on a strand or inside a pedestal, the Aerial Connector Terminal supports up to eight OptiFit Drop Cable Assemblies from the bottom of the terminal. It includes aerial hanging brackets and quick-release clamps for closure re-entry.
The OptiSheath Advantage Terminal, Below-Grade Connector, (UCA4 and UCA5) is another expansion of the terminal family, designed for the pedestal or buried fiber access network. The sealed Below-Grade Connector Terminal supports up to 16 OptiFit Advantage Drop Cable Assemblies. The re-enterable terminal features a blank adapter available for direct splicing into the terminal.
Meanwhile, the OptiTect Advantage Cabinets contain coupler/splitter modules, coupler/splitter input splicing (or connectors), and unused splitter output termination storage, all within a rugged pad- or pole-mounted enclosure. The cabinets are prestubbed with feeder and distribution cables, which are terminated, tested, and certified in the factory to ensure an easy, fast, and reliable installation in the field.
The OptiTect Advantage Cabinet family features what the company calls "intuitive fiber jumper routing," and the optional preconnectorized coupler/splitter inputs and standard preconnectorized outputs eliminate the need for fusion splicing at the cabinet following initial installation. Efficient coupler/splitter management minimizes capital expenditure by facilitating a pay-as-you-grow approach, allowing the service provider to add coupler/splitter modules only as needed.
The OptiTect Advantage Cabinet family consists of four cabinet sizes -- small, medium, large, and extra large. These cabinets serve up to 192, 288, 384, and 576 distribution fibers, respectively, via either 1x16 or 1x32 coupler/splitter modules in any combination.