Remember the fiber growing days? When the old copper-based networks were common, fiber splicing was essential. It was a highly skilled manual process. Technicians needed special training, not just plugging into an outlet. Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) deployment looks very different today with the introduction of hardened connector technology in 2004.
A secure connection eliminates the need for welding, minimizes the technical skills required for the job, and makes deployment faster and easier. This technology is critical to help service providers scale to meet the demand for flexible and reliable networks with agility and speed. By accelerating deployment, service providers can help bring high-speed Internet to everyone, everywhere.
Early days of fiber optic networks
CommScope has been instrumental in developing the connectivity ecosystem, including the first generation of connectors. Initially, only one type was available to cover single fiber connections, and that was only for protected outdoor installations, i.e. placed inside a cabinet or floor. The first connectors were suitable only for small loads and could not withstand strict environmental conditions.
Later developments in design and technology helped bring connectors into open (and unprotected) outdoor environments. They have been hardened, meaning they have been encapsulated in a material that protects them from extreme temperatures, moisture, UV radiation, and other conditions normally encountered outside. These connectors were also waterproof and could be installed in air and underground applications.
Unfortunately, these early hardened connectors were also bulky and difficult to use, as they had to withstand rigorous conditions. CommScope leads the way in optimizing hardened connectors for reliability, durability and ease of use. From the very beginning, we have been at the forefront of quality, performance and simplicity.
Multi-fiber connector options soon emerged for two, four, six, eight, and 12-fiber configurations. Each iteration of the connector has improved performance, quality, and durability, and made installation and maintenance easier. The industry has welcomed these changes as demand for high-speed fiber has skyrocketed.
Plug and play installation with reliable connection
Technological advances have resulted in smaller profiles in response to the smaller space now available given the fiber densification that is occurring. Terminals using hardened connectors can be mounted on a pole, in a stand, or in a hand hole with a much smaller footprint.
Service providers can connect customers to their fiber networks faster than ever before. The number of secure connectors on the market has grown as service providers have looked for solutions from different vendors. Customers who have used multiple types of reinforced connectors have experienced the challenge of transporting additional stock. Material layout became increasingly complex due to the volume and variety of connectors. As a result, engineers began to explore ways to simplify reliable connectivity.
Service providers clearly needed a revolutionary communications solution—a solution that was versatile and interoperable to simplify network planning, logistics, and installation. We have listened closely to our customers to develop technology that will revolutionize cable assemblies and support the creation of broadband for everyone, everywhere. But we did not only take into account the urgent needs of service providers. At the same time, we had the vision of developing a roadmap for future-ready networks.
The future is Prodigy™, CommScope’s compact, ruggedized universal connector system. It is designed to speed up and simplify field installation for FTTH networks. Prodigy is revolutionizing plug-and-play connectivity not only for today’s networks, but for the networks of tomorrow.
https://www.commscope.com/ftth-hardened-connectivity-solution/