Huber+Suhner doubles fibre density with new connector

Technologies and Products

Swiss company Huber+Suhner AG says its new LC-XD fibre-optic connector will double the density of optical fibres per rack while also making it easier to manipulate fibres in central offices and data centres. Launched at the FTTH Conference 2013 in London, the new connector is designed to reduce space requirements, control costs and improve operational efficiency.

The LC-XD connector, available in both simplex and duplex (uniboot) versions, allows for up to 4032 fibres in one rack, which is double the density of previous connectors, the company claims. 

The connector is equipped with a rigid, extended lever with a patent-pending push/pull mechanism, to enable more efficient handling. Vertical space and finger access at the connection are supported, allowing easy installation and changes in configuration. The LC-XD connector, thanks to its rigid lever, can also be mated and unmated from a distance.
 
Space is always an issue for fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) applications, thanks to the sheer number of fibres in the access network, points out Patrick Zaina, product manager at Huber+Suhner. The two most important factors that drive the cost of the passive infrastructure in a central office or data centre) are space and handling, and focusing on just one of these can lead to increased costs. The key is to achieve a balance between packing density and good handling.
 
“The availability of infrastructure space is always challenging, both in urban networks and rural locations,” said Zaina. “This has significant cost implications for the running of central offices for FTTH services. Packing density is a critical factor in the FTTH business and is the background to the development of our new LC-XD fibre optic connector. Our exciting new product combines extreme density with excellent handling.”
 
The simplex version of the LC-XD connector is aimed at FTTH networks, which tend to use a single optical fibre per household. Huber+Suhner developed the LC-XD uniboot duplex connector for use in data centre applications. This connector allows polarity flipping without additional tools.
 
LC-XD connectors are compatible with standard adaptors, mini LC adaptors, and optical transceivers, the company says.
 
By Pauline Rigby
 
See Also: 
Press release: New LC-XD Connector Doubles Fiber Density and Improves Handling