OFS has unveiled its AllWave FLEX and AllWave FLEX+ bend-optimized single-mode fiber which features a 200-μm coating. The coating enables a narrower fiber than those using conventional 250-μm coatings, says the company.
OFS will use the fiber in fiber-optic cables with higher fiber counts and in microcables, beginning with its new MiDia 2FX microcables. The thinner coating does not affect the fiber’s bend optimization, so the fibers can support tight, low-loss bends without weakening fiber strength and long-term reliability, OFS asserts.
The AllWave FLEX version of the 200-μm fiber will bring its space saving benefits, as well as resistance to macrobend and microbend losses, to fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) deployments, enterprise networks, and other applications requiring small bend diameters. It is an ITU-T G.657.A1 fiber.
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Meanwhile, the AllWave FLEX+ 200-μm fiber will benefit in-building and connectivity applications, and offers full compatibility and compliance with the current installed base of conventional ITU-T G.652 singlemode fibers. It also can be used within fiber cables for access networks, including high-density FTTH applications, as well as cell sites, enterprise networks, and similar scenarios. It exceeds both ITU-T G.657-A2 and G.652.D recommendations and International Standard IEC 60793-2-50 specifications, OFS says.
With the ability to occupy 46% less area than conventional fiber, OFS predicts significant benefits for applications that require more fiber per cable or where conduit or duct space is at a premium.
For example, the fibers will enable the MiDia 2FX micro-cables potentially to reduce fiber-optic network build costs by increasing installation distance, reducing the number of installations, and maximizing the use of congested and limited availability ducts, OFS predicts.
The OFS MiDia 2FX cable is being presented at the FTTH Council Europe’s FTTH Conference in London, February 20-21, at stand G18. The cable is generally available now.
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