Reichle & De-Massari (R&M) AG and US Conec Ltd. announced that the manufacturers have agreed to exchange licenses, and to mutually recognize important patents, for MPO fiber-optic connectors.
The companies say the move stands to benefit data center providers and carriers faced with ever-increasing demands to boost the density of deployed fiber-optic cabling for high-speed data transmission.
The new agreement clears the way for the QR mechanism developed and patented by R&M to be integrated into US Conec’s DirectConec push-pull connector portfolio.
These connectors make it possible to lock and unlock fiber-optic connectors with the strain relief sleeve on the back. This makes them particularly easy to operate in high density patch panels.
Per the agreement, US Conec can now use the QR mechanism in its own connector types. For its part, R&M can assemble and sell its own QR multiple fiber connector – dubbed the "MPO-QR with polarity change" – in the U.S.
The companies say with the new agreement, end users will be able to operate multiple fiber connectors for high-speed data networks more easily.
Per information in a press release, the agreement on patent cross-licensing came into force on November 16, 2022. It is backdated to products that have already been developed, manufactured and sold.
EXECUTIVE QUOTES
"We are delighted about the new cooperation with US Conec. As leading developers in the field of fiber optic connectivity, we can work together to pave the way for fast and efficient network densification. For R&M, bringing QR technology to the US market is a major step. We value the innovative strength of US Conec, which we are now able to make available to a large group of users. Our global production network forms a robust supply chain that supplies data centers and carriers with the leading fiber-optic connector systems for next-generation high-speed data transmission."
-- R&M CTO Robert Merki
