OFS’ EZ-Bend aims to simplify single-family fiber broadband installations

ORLANDO—OFS is easing fiber broadband installers' process with the new EZ-Bend® Fast Wrap Solution. Replacing six pre-connectorized cable lengths and an enclosure with a single part number extendable up to 150 feet, OFS said this house wrap optical cabling solution could reduce the complexity of single-family home installations.

The EZ-Bend Fast Wrap cable can be converted to 900 µm InvisiLight® Optical Fiber inside the home by stripping the outer jacket. Also, it can be run to a centrally located ONT for improved Wi-Fi coverage, resulting in better subscriber experience and retention.

A key focus of the new product is simplicity. This single device reduces the number of items needed for an installation and the number of installation steps. After wall mounting the Network Interface Device (NID) and splicing or connecting to a traditional Mini LT flat or EZ-Bend toneable round outside plant drop cable, the EZ-Bend 3 mm cable can be pulled out to the precise length needed to wrap then penetrate the home to reach a SlimBox® Wallplate, then connect to the ONT using an EZ-Bend jumper to the ONT. The remaining slack is automatically retained on the spool eliminating the tedious step of manually wrapping and managing slack inside the NID.

The product features EZ-Bend G.657.B3 Optical Fiber with a 2.5mm bend radius – twice as tight as the industry standard, inside Indoor/Outdoor rated EZ-Bend 3 cable offering 100-pound tensile strength.

Another critical element of the product is that it is non-disruptive. The EZ-Bend 3mm cable inside can be wrapped around the outside of a house, installed through a 3/8” hole into the home, or easily stripped down to 900 µm InvisiLight Optical Fiber routed inside using the InvisiLight installation process.

Eric Leichter, senior product line manager for OFS, said that EZ-Bend® Fast Wrap Solution considers the diversity of in-home installations a provider will encounter as they connect customers to a fiber broadband network.

“The EZ-Bend Fast Wrap Solution reduces complexity for the installer by reducing the number of components on the truck,” he said. “It also gives the installer confidence that, regardless of the route in the home, the EZ-Bend cable can get there while enabling a clean installation with cable management in one device.”