Clearfield’s Fault Managed Power System is a Problem Solver for Service Provider Networks
Clearfield's FMP Outdoor Receiver
Clearfield recently introduced its Fault Managed Power technology portfolio, which it will display publicly for the first time at ISE Expo in August. Clearfield explained the FMP portfolio is “designed to help operators deliver both fiber and power to remote radios, edge sites, and distributed network equipment.”
The technological trend of network devices moving closer to end users has created circumstances that make the use of FMP in service provider networks an attractive option. As these devices migrate closer to users, “operators must deploy equipment across a growing number of remote and distributed locations,” Clearfield said. “Each site requires not only high-capacity connectivity, but also a safe, reliable, and scalable source of power.”
In an interview with Cabling Installation & Maintenance, Clearfield product marketing manager Connor Petit described an example of FMP’s practical value in these scenarios. “When a service provider is trying to turn up fixed wireless access service in a remote location, generally this application requires high voltage. That process involves permitting and coordinating with the electric utility. With fault managed power, you can run the power you need through the same conduit the fiber runs through. The service provider can use the same pathways and the same technician to run both fiber and power. It takes significantly less time to turn up the service.”
Clearfield’s FMP product portfolio combines a rack-mounted transmitter with indoor and outdoor receiver options to support supervised Class 4 power delivery over distances of up to 6,000 feet. Here are the specific products in Clearfield’s portfolio.
- FMP transmitter: Supports up to 600 kilowatts (kW) across 4 independently supervised output channels and transmission distances of up to 6,000 feet
- FMP power outdoor receiver: Delivers up to 2.5 kW of regulated 56 VDC power from an IP66-rated enclosure
- FMP high-voltage 4000 receiver: Provides up to 4 kW of 240-350 VDC output from a standard DIN-rail form factor
Anis Khemakhem, Clearfield’s chief commercial officer, commented, “Telecom, data center, and wireless networks are becoming more distributed, but operators still have to solve two challenges at every location: connectivity and power. Clearfield’s Fault Managed Power portfolio gives operators a faster and more-coordinated way to bring fiber and power together through one vendor, while reducing deployment complexity and creating a more-flexible foundation for future network growth.”
In addition to the permitting and labor issues Petit pointed out, Clearfield described other advantages FMP offers over traditional power extensions. Those advantages include safety (a supervised Class 4 circuit automatically disconnects when a fault is detected), reach (6,000 feet without concern about voltage drop), and installation simplicities (lighter-gauge conductors and field-friendly connectors).
“As a strong partner for service providers, Clearfield is helping provide solutions they need, and helping design the networks they want to build,” Petit added. “Fault managed power is an example of Clearfield’s ability to serve operators.”
Ron Westfall, vice president and practice leader for infrastructure and networking with HyperFRAME Research, added perspective: “The industry is moving beyond simply extending fiber footprints toward building intelligent, distributed infrastructure that supports broadband, wireless, AI, data center, and edge computing applications. That requires rethinking how both connectivity and power are delivered. Clearfield’s entry into offering fault managed power broadens its role within network infrastructure and positions the company to address an increasingly important requirement for operators modernizing their networks.”
When displayed for the first time at ISE Expo, Clearfield’s FMP products will be integrated into products that are familiar to Clearfield users, such as the company’s active cabinet. The company also will introduce users to its FMP products via the BILT training app, along with Clearfield’s applications/engineering/training team.
