TE Connectivity promotes 'building block' approach to FTTH installations

TE Connectivity (NYSE: TEL) used the recent FTTH Connect conference in Anaheim (June 30 - July 1) to launch its fiber indexing architecture for fiber to the home (FTTH). The approach uses standardized building blocks that consist of connectorized and indexed service terminals with hardened multi-fiber optical connectors to simplify FTTH installations and reduce costs, TE says.

According to TE, FTTH distribution networks often feature a star topology in which each service terminal is directly connected to the fiber distribution hub. This approach often requires accurate lengths of fiber-optic cable, which means installers must first make measurements in the field, then order the right cable lengths - and then wait.

TE says the fiber indexing architecture simplifies and accelerates deployments through use of a cascaded and daisy-chained topology in which standard lengths of fiber cable run from one terminal to the next. The approach can save the amount of cable required by up to 70%, TE claims. Meanwhile, the use of hardened multi-fiber optical connectors reduces (and perhaps eliminates) the need for fiber splicing, which also speeds deployment.

Use of the fiber index architecture will reduce engineering and inventory management requirements as well, TE adds.

"Simply put, fiber indexing offers service providers a faster methodology for building FTTH networks," said Jaxon Lang, general manager and vice president of TE Broadband Network Solutions. "By using standardized building blocks, they can reduce fiber construction and labor requirements for a quicker return on investment, while reducing overall deployment costs."

Source: Lightwave