Miniflex will demonstrate faster FTTH installation technology at OFC 2007
Miniflex, the leading vendor of optical fibre protection, management and installation solutions, will be demonstrating its hotly anticipated Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) installation system, MF2C™, at OFC this year (Booth #: 3367). Visitors to the booth will see live demonstrations of optical fibre installations using MF2C™, (Miniflex’s-Fibre-to-Customer-Connection) as well as key solutions to many of the issues faced by installers today. Miniflex has specific patented manufacturing technology enabling it to make products that make fibre installation faster, easier and reduces the cost of installation. The technology means that Miniflex’s products provide a competitive edge for its customers.In particular the Miniflex manufacturing technology enables the use of hard plastic compounds that exhibit extremely high tensile and compressive strengths. It is common for fibre in the ‘last mile’ or for premises installations to use a number of Microduct technologies. These Microducts have poor bend limiting capability (they kink), and cannot cope with tight bends.
Miniflex DVC™ Microduct has none of the above shortfalls since it has a patented hard lining, bend limitation, and higher crush resistance whilst being able to negotiate bends of half the diameter typically specified. It is designed to allow existing fibre cable to be installed via the WAM™ installation system. Importantly, using this WAM™, the TuffNut™ cable can be installed much faster over twice the typical distance encountered during installation in Multi-Dwelling (MDUs) residential buildings.
MF2C™ comprises of three core elements:
- DVC™ Microductis a derivative produced specifically to meet the needs identified by customers for a tough but flexible microduct. In terms of pushing or pulling fibre through this product, the low friction Dynamic Velocity Conservation lining has been demonstrated to out-perform all other known products giving a 24% reduction in installation time for the same distance. Its inherent bend limiting and crush resistant characteristics make it an ideal duct or conduit for FTTH use since it is much less susceptible to kinking when being installed.
- TuffNut™ Cable is an optical fibre cable made using OFPT. The product comprises fibre and the 3mm OFPT as sheathing. TuffNut™ cable has better physical performance than existing cables and permits fast installation by pushing due to its rigid flexibility and low friction. This product has recently been developed specifically for the FTTP market but has application in other markets including automotive, industrial automation, defence and aerospace.
- WAM™ is a new installation device developed to maximise the benefits of DVC™ Microduct and TuffNut™ Cable by offering a cost effective and simple installation method. This machine, when used with Miniflex products, outperforms all known competition in terms of installation speed and is one tenth the cost of blown fibre plant (the BT technology). The product has passed initial concept trials in the USA with a major RBOC (Regional Bell Operating Company) and awaits final beta testing before progressing to full production.
Another benefit of this manufacturing technique is a low surface friction and bend limiting construction that has a high resistance to longitudinal compression and buckling. This allows the TuffNut™ Cable to be pushed long distances through complex routes of microduct and conduits. This provides for a simple high speed installation and eliminates the risk of high tensile loads occasioned when pulling cables through ducting and conduits.
Paul Ekpenyong, sales and marketing director for Miniflex, summed up the firm’s attendance at the show by saying:
“OFC poses an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate the unique benefits that provide a competitive edge for our customers. The uptake of optical fibre is increasing in many sectors particularly in telecoms and automotive. The FTTH solution for audio visual entertainment and communication is a rapidly expanding area that is being taken very seriously in the USA by the likes of Verizon and AT&T and I feel that Europe will be no different. Miniflex has effectively addressed many of the concerns and issues surrounding the installation of fibre to MDUs (Multi Dwelling Units) and we will continue to develop solutions that deliver business and technical advantages for our customers.”
