HUBER+SUHNER announces new LC-XD connector doubles fiber density and improves handling

A ground-breaking new fiber optic connector, launched at the FTTH Council Europe's conference in London, will double the density of fibers per rack and improve handling in Central Offices and Data Centres. Developed by Swiss company, HUBER+SUHNER, a leading international manufacturer of components and systems for electrical and optical connectivity, the new connector significantly reduces the amount of space needed, helping to control costs and improve efficiency.

The LC-XD fiber optic connector, available in both simplex and duplex (Uniboot) versions, handles up to 4032 fibers in one rack, doubling the density handled by previous components. The connector is equipped uniquely with a rigid, extended lever that employs an innovative push/pull mechanism (patent pending), at the same time allowing greater density and more efficient handling. For both installation and for ongoing handling, vertical space and finger access at the connection are needed, the LC-XD connector, due to its rigid lever, also allows mating and unmating from a distance.

For FTTH applications, with their high fiber density requirements, this will dramatically cut the amount of space required in the Central Office, where space is always an issue. The two most important factors that determine the cost of the passive infrastructure in a Central Office or Data centre are space and handling and focusing on either one of these can lead to increased costs. The key is to achieve a balance between packing density and good handling. With performance continuing to increase, costs per unit are falling and this also puts greater pressure on the issue of the density.

Patrick Zaina, product manager at HUBER+SUHNER AG, explained: "The availability of infrastructure space is always challenging, both in urban networks and rural locations, and 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 fiber optic connector. Our exciting new product combines extreme density with excellent handling."

The simplex version of the LC-XD connector is particularly suitable for use in FTTH networks, where a single fiber is generally required per household. The connectors can be strung together in two directions and are pluggable even with indirect contact. HUBER+SUHNER has also developed the LC-XD Uniboot duplex connector for use primarily in data centre applications. This connector allows polarity flipping without the need for additional tools.

Source: HUBER+SUHNER