To meet demand in ultra-high fiber count and hyperscale networking applications, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave (SEL) recently introduced a new 72-count fiber bundle.

Utilizing the proprietary Freeform Ribbon technology and part of the company's FutureFlex air-blown fiber product line, the new 72-fiber bundle is qualified for both outdoor and indoor (riser and plenum) use. The company says it can provide up to 144 fibers when used with a 2-cell tube cable and can increase fiber capacity up to 1,728 fibers when installed into a 24-cell tube cable.

Per SEL, "The benefits of the new 72-count fiber bundle extend beyond just the fiber capacity. The bundle uses a construction based on Sumitomo Electric’s pliable Freeform Ribbon. This technology makes the termination process fully streamlined for either single fiber or mass ribbon fiber splicing/termination. The Freeform Ribbon technology within the fiber bundle eliminates former construction components that required discrete preparation steps during the termination process, thus creating a product that is both easier and faster to terminate."

The company adds that the new bundle's ribbon-based construction allows for mass ribbon splicing to ribbon fan-outs, or directly to Sumitomo's Lynx MPO splice-on connector.

For more information, visit www.sumitomoelectric.com.