CommScope recently announced it has licensed AFL to manufacture CommScope Prodigy universal fiber-to-the-home hardened connectivity solutions.
“Together, AFL and CommScope are addressing the growing needs of global FTTH installations, including business-as-usual and government-subsidized projects,” CommScope said when announcing its agreement with AFL. “The Prodigy line of connectivity solutions leverages revolutionary convertor technology that allows it to provide seamless, backwards compatibility with historical hardened connectivity solutions as well as enhanced density when deployed as a complete system.”
“We’re proud to partner with CommScope to bring its proven Prodigy solutions to our own customers and more broadly to FTTH deployments around the world,” said Marc Bolick, president of product solutions at AFL. “As a leader in fiber-optic solutions, we recognize the clear advantage in interoperability and ease-of-use that Prodigy offers, and we’re looking forward to providing these licensed solutions to our customers in support of tomorrow’s fiber networks.”
The Prodigy line of hardened connectivity drop cables and terminals offers several advantageous characteristics for FTTH deployments, particularly in rural areas with limited resources, CommScope pointed out. Those characteristics include the following.
Interoperability, speed, and simplicity—Prodigy universal connectors are compatible with legacy fiber infrastructure and are designed to help eliminate installation errors for more-efficient rollouts and resotrations as well as simplified logistics and planning.
Sustainability—Prodigy solutions’ space-saving design offers the smallest form factor connectors in the market, according to CommScope—enabling higher-density environments with lower costs and environmental impact—while its reusable core connectors and minimal, plastic-free packaging reduce waste.
Accessibility—Globally available dual sourcing combined with interoperability and high-density features help optimize warehousing and streamline inventory, for more-agile supply chains with shorter lead times, more truck space, and fewer trips.
“We designed Prodigy solutions to be the foundation for the next generation of FTTH hardened connectivity, and our new licensing agreement with AFL supports that global initiative with a reliable second source to speed adoption,” stated Koen ter Linde, CommScope’s senior vice president and president of its Connectivity and Cable Solutions business unit. “Prodigy solutions are universal, sustainable, and optimized for rural installations where both space and skilled labor resources are limited. Together with AFL, we’re making these advantages more widely available to support tomorrow’s FTTH deployments and ensure broadband for everyone.”
The agreement is part of AFL’s commitment to supporting Build America, Buy America (BABA) provisions, ensuring eligibility for BEAD funding. Starting in 2025, the initial product releases from AFL will include drop assemblies and multiports powered by Prodigy.