Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLFD) has unveiled the FieldSmart Fiber Crossover Multi-Purpose (FxMP) Patch Panel, a fiber distribution panel designed to enable a single unit to fit in multiple rack sizes and configurations. The FXMP enables network managers to use the same panel to route and deploy fiber jumpers throughout the network in both rack- and cabinet-style configurations.
The FxMP patch panel supports interconnect or cross-connect for 24 ports in a 1RU configuration to up to 288 ports in a larger unit for both inside plant and outside plant scenarios. The unit’s design features reversible mounting ears that enable installation in 19- or 23-inch frames, with the ability to be recessed 1, 3, or 5 inches. Customers can choose radius rods 4.77 or 3.25 inches in length to meet their application requirements. In all configurations, the FxMP uses Clearfield’s Clearview Cassette as its 12-port building block. Technicians can insert the cassettes without tools via slide rails. A sheet-metal slide-out top protection feature protects the cassettes and helps prevent fiber tangling. Units can be configured with a slack basket in the rear or a flat clear cover.
“Clearfield’s proven cassette and new panel option will save us time and money during team training and deployment, as well as in the maintenance process,” according to Matt Updenkelder, CoastCom by Wave’s director of construction as quoted in a Clearfield press release. “We are aggressively expanding our fiber services and turning up customers throughout the Pacific Northwest area. As we are increasingly deploying in a wider variety of applications and locations, the universal design of the FieldSmart FxMP will make our procurement, inventory management and construction programs highly efficient.”
Clearfield expects the FxMP to find use in fiber to the home, business, data center, and central office applications. The unit is RUS listed and designed to comply with Telcordia GR-63, GR-1089, GR-449, GR-20, and GR-409 specifications. Optical component configurations use Telcordia GR 1221/1209 compliant devices; terminations are designed and tested to Telcordia GR-326. The unit is available in both tan and black.
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