January 16, 2003--Alcatel, Oasis Micro Networks, and Sherman & Reilly today announced the successful completion of a field
trial in Atlanta, GA., of a newly developed optical micro cabling technology for the deployment of fiber-optic cables. In the trial, a fiber-optic cable route of approximately 20,000 feet was installed in slightly under an hour and a half.
The trial demonstrated the commercial viability of the new technology, which involves blowing specially designed fiber-optic cables into small microducts placed inside empty or partially filled ducts. The cable was installed in multiple sections, with the longest achieved blowing distance of 64,00 feet taking 28 minutes.
The Alcatel microduct cable used in the trial was only 7.2 mm in diameter and contained 72 fibers. It is designed to meet all applicable standards, including Telcordia GR-20. The DuraLine Silicore microduct into which this cable was blown measured 10 mm in inner diameter and 12 mm in outer diameter. Both the microducts and the microduct cable were blown using jetting equipment provided by Sherman & Reilly, with installation and consulting services provided by Oasis Micro Networks.
"The ease with which micro technology is deployed into new and existing networks as well as the clear economic benefit makes it the solution of choice," contends Tim Grimsley, president and chief executive officer of Oasis Micro Networks. "The blowing distance achieved in the trial adds further credibility to the technology and the growing demand for it."
"With significant savings in up-front capital expenditures and by eliminating the need for expensive 'dig-ups', micro technology will play a revolutionary role in the future of telecommunications networks for many applications including access, metro, and long-haul," adds Robert Orr, vice president of marketing for Sherman & Reilly Inc.
Micro cabling technology enables network operators to maximize utilization of conduits or ducts by placing several smaller microducts inside larger ducts. In what is called an "override" scenario, microducts can even be installed in larger ducts with cable already installed. In addition to savings from using installed duct networks more efficiently, micro cabling technology also allows network operators to defer capital expenditures by installing optical cable on an as-needed basis and by reducing installation time and costs.
For more information about Alcatel (Paris), visit the company's Web site at www.alcatel.com.