In August, AFL introduced new products into its Converged Access Network portfolio at Fiber Connect 2023. The products include the LL-5D Optical Splicing and Distribution Enclosure (LL-5D) and a new member to the Apex family of fiber optic splice closures, the Apex X-3.
The Converged Access Network product line is made to be accessible, flexible, and expandable can establish a network in a variety of application areas such as FFTX, Multiple Dwelling Unit/Multiple Tenant Units (MXU), and 5G Fronthaul/Backhaul. Among these Converged Network solutions AFL showed the 90R Fusion Splicer, Switchblade Fiber Containment Vault, and Fujikura 90S+ and some test and inspection products.
Apex’s LL-5D has a long-lasting outdoor polymer-based material that’s made with strength and durability in mind and an ambidextrous removeable door that is simple to install on left or right hinged applications. The product is available with all sorts of variations of connector types and cable entrance choices. The LL-5D Optical Splicing and Distribution Enclosure also can hold a maximum of 144 single fiber splices with the use of two of Apex’s X-2S universal splice trays and a pre-molded splice tray in the base. With all these features it’s clear that Apex’s objective of creating a product that is made for organizing, splicing, and interconnecting fibers in broadband FTTX building entrance applications and distribution has been met.
When it comes to the Apex X-3, the product supports up to 5,184 fibers when using 200 SpiderWeb Ribbon and is the largest of the company’s splice closures when previously the X-2 could hold 3,456 fibers and the X-2S supported 1,728 fibers while using 200 SpiderWeb Ribbon. The Apex X-3 makes overall installation time quicker with its wedge-based sealing system which provides strain relief and allows cable to be installed and sealed into the closure within seconds. This sealed splice closure has six cable ports with up to six ground lugs, a hinging lockable splice tray, and a bevy of other features.
Apex’s Converged Access Network, Apex X-3, and LL-5D Optical Splicing and Distribution Enclosure show that the company is prepared to meet the needs of the future.