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Prysmian launches bend insensitive optical fiber

Feb. 7, 2007

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 -- Prysmian's CasaLight fiber targets FTTH applications, where optical fiber is likely to encounter greater levels of handling and will be subjected to more extreme degrees of bending than previously experienced.

FEBRUARY 7, 2007 -- Prysmian Cables & Systems (search for Prysmian) has introduced CasaLight, its new 'bend insensitive' optical fiber in accordance with ITU-T Recommendation G.657.

With the rapid growth in broadband services and the corresponding need to upgrade 'last mile' telecoms infrastructures, there is a growing trend to deploy optical fiber closer and closer to the end user. This transition towards the ultimate goal of fiber-to-the-home (search for FTTH) means that the optical fiber is likely to encounter greater levels of handling and will be subjected to more extreme degrees of bending than previously experienced.

The recently issued ITU-T Recommendation G.657, entitled "Characteristics of a Bending Loss Insensitive Single Mode optical Fiber and Cable for the Access Network," defines the new and tougher performance requirements now demanded by these applications. According to Prysmian representatives, CasaLight meets all of these requirements, and in particular:

Maintains its performance at bend radius as low as 10 mm, thus exceeding the limits of G.657A;

Maintains compatibility with standard equipment, connectors, and fiber in accordance with ITU-T Recommendation G.652;

Demonstrates improved mechanical reliability, increasing lifetime in environments where variations in temperature and moisture level as well as tight bends are likely;

Demonstrates best-in-class performance towards 'high power' effects, which can result in coating burns and glass fusion in certain amplified systems under severe bend conditions; and

Utilizes an environmentally friendly, fluorine-free manufacturing process as in all Prysmian fibers.

Prysmian representatives say the addition of the CasaLight fiber to its portfolio further strengthens its position as a world leader in optical fiber technology.

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