Clearfield Inc. recently introduced the FieldShield MPO Pushable Connector, which the company says is “designed to simplify the deployment of fiber where multiple fibers are required. Ensuring fiber protection and optical reliability, the field-assembled FieldShield MPO Pushable Connector greatly reduces installation costs for fiber-to-the-home installations, business-class services, cell backhaul or any other small-count delivery application.”

The company describes the connector as both factory-terminated and field-assembled. It explained the connector is “factory-terminated and designed to be terminated on 6- or 12-fiber FieldShield Pushable Optical Fiber. After being pushed or pulled through the 14/10 microduct, the smooth wall protective sleeve is easily removed, and an outer housing is snapped into place, creating an industry-standard connector without mechanical or fusion splicing.”

It added that, “Unlike today’s stiff, flat drop cables that require extensive pre-engineering, are labor-intensive and difficult to slack-store, FieldShield MPO Pushable Connector and fiber reduces pre-engineering needs and eliminates in-field splicing. These ‘labor-light’ deployments enable operators to maximize resources an investment.” Clearfield claims that the connector, combined with FieldShield Pushable Fiber and FieldShield SmarTerminal, reduces the amount of pre-engineering, splicing, and slack storage space required, which thereby lowers the time, labor, and equipment needed for installation. It said the connector’s design also makes it possible for technicians to achieve restoration easily and quickly.

“As subscriber demands continue to push the limits, operators must find a way to achieve the cash flow to meet the need for fiber,” commented Johnny Hill, Clearfield’s chief operating officer. “Deployment can be a very expensive and labor-intensive undertaking; however, our small, flexible, connectorized deployment products simplify fiber installation and maintenance. And our new connector is tech-friendly and labor-light, resulting in much faster deployment and restoration time while reducing the prohibitive costs associated with broadband deployment.”

Clearfield says the FieldShield Pushable MPO Connectors meet and exceed Telcordia GR-CORE requirements, and are available in singlemode 4-, 6-, 8- and 12-fiber terminations.