R&M, US Conec to swap MPO fiber-optic connector licenses

Dec. 1, 2022

R&M’s patented QR mechanism will be integrated into US Conec’s DirectConec push-pull connector product line. The exchange also will enable R&M to assemble and sell its own QR multiple fiber connector, the MPO-QR with polarity change, in the U.S.

Stephen Hardy

Reichle & De-Massari (R&M) AG and US Conec Ltd. have announced that they will exchange licenses pertaining to various aspects of MPO fiber-optic connectors. As a result, R&M’s patented QR mechanism will be integrated into US Conec’s DirectConec push-pull connector product line. The exchange also will enable R&M to assemble and sell its own QR multiple fiber connector, which it is calling the MPO-QR with polarity change, in the U.S.

Both companies will thus be better able to serve the market demand for high-density multi-fiber connectors. US Conec’s DirectConec push-pull technology combined with R&M’s QR quick-release capabilities will enable connectors that can be locked and unlocked with the strain relief sleeve on the back.

“We are delighted about the new cooperation with US Conec,” commented R&M CTO Robert Merki. “As leading developers in the field of fiber-optic connectivity, we can work together to pave the way for fast and efficient network densification. For R&M, bringing QR technology to the U.S. market is a major step. We value the innovative strength of US Conec, which we are now able to make available to a large group of users. Our global production network forms a robust supply chain that supplies data centers and carriers with the leading fiber-optic connector systems for next-generation high-speed data transmission.”

“For US Conec, it means a lot to be able to cooperate with R&M in order to meet current market needs,” added Mike Hughes, vice president of US Conec. “R&M delivers unsurpassed Swiss precision craftsmanship when it comes to fiber-optic connector technologies. The QR mechanism from R&M is an ingenious addition to our innovative DirectConec push-pull system. This will enable users to work even more securely and faster in highly densified network infrastructures.”

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About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.

You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.