Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLFD) has unveiled the SmartRoute Infinity Panel, a 1RU patch panel that the company asserts can save up to 25% on total first cost of installation by streamlining the
fiber deployment planning process. The company expects the patch panel to find use in cable MSO headends, telco central offices, as well as
data centers. The savings derive from the fact that use of the SmartRoute Infinity Panel removes the need to predetermine fiber lengths on pre-terminated inter-facility fiber cable (IFC) assemblies, Clearfield explains. The patch panel contains either one internal rod assembly that holds 200 feet of IFC microcable or two internal rod assemblies that hold up to 100 feet microcable each. The figure-eight rod assembly is designed to provide bend radius protection for the A2 micro-distribution cable. Thus, the installer can
pull the exact amount of cable required from the panel and leave the remaining slack safely stored. The fiber-optic cable can be equipped with SC or LC adapters on the front and MPO, SC, or LC breakouts on the far end, Clearfield says. The rod assemblies are packaged into a single panel and relieve cable congestion, simplify ordering, and minimize labor and installation costs, the company adds. The SmartRoute Infinity Panel is scheduled for general availability this month. --
Stephen Hardy, Lightwave 
