November 18, 2004 Minneapolis, MN -- APA Cables & Networks (APACN) has announced a new line of non-metallic pedestals engineered for any Fiber-to-the-Premise (FTTP) architecture. The APACN non-metallic Fiber Distribution Pedestal (FDP) is the result of a combined design effort by APACN and Emerson Network Power, Energy Systems North America (formerly Marconi Communications), a worldwide designer and manufacturer of Outside Plant (OSP) enclosures.
The Fiber Distribution Pedestal is a cost-effective flexible solution that allows for patching, splicing, and splitting in a single unit, say company representatives. Each pedestal stores feeder and distribution splices, splitters, connectors, and slack cable neatly and compactly, minimizing the risk of fiber damage. Providing easy access to fiber drops while protecting loose fiber-optic cables, the Fiber Distribution Pedestal solution is ideal when network integrity must be maintained in the Passive Optical Network (PON).
In its baseline configuration, the APACN Fiber Distribution Pedestal offers what the company claims is the industry's lowest cost solution at under $20.00 per home served.
The non-metallic Fiber Distribution Pedestal design assures the product will not rust or corrode and limits the risk of chipping and fading. To strengthen the pedestal's reliability against environmental elements such as floods, fire, dirt, earthquakes and pests, the product line has gone through the harsh requirements for GR-13 testing that guarantees strength, rigidity, and security.
Technical specifications
APACN initially offers the non-metallic Fiber Distribution Pedestal in three standard sizes, the largest being a 12-inch design that can accommodate up to 288 splices. For deployments requiring a smaller solution, the pedestal is offered in 8-inch and 10-inch configurations as well.
The Fiber Distribution Pedestal incorporates field-tested designs to provide a product that is easily installed and modified. Applying the same fiber management principles as in its fiber distribution panels and Fiber Scalability Center OSP Cabinets, the APACN Fiber Distribution Pedestal maximizes bend radius protection, connector access, ease of cable routing, and physical protection of the fiber.
"Continuing with our customer-driven FTTP solutions, APACN's non-metallic Fiber Distribution Pedestal allows the fiber to be brought closer to the end- user, whether it's a neighborhood, a home, a business, a campus, or other location," reports Cheri Podzimek, president of APA Cables & Networks. "By incorporating years of combined outdoor environment expertise from APACN and Emerson Network Power, Energy Systems, we are able to offer our customers a market leading solution that not only ensures network integrity, but is also easy to use from a technician's standpoint," she adds.
Enclosing APACN's fiber management is the pedestal made of a high performance thermo-plastic material. All sizes are ringcut capable, flood proof, and tested to Telcordia GR-13 CORE and RUS PE-91 specifications. A "slide and secure" mounting plate slides and locks into the base of the pedestal for easy installation while a lift-off dome allows for 360 ° access to all wirework and equipment. Security is assured by the single point, self-locking cover that also allows for easy craft access.
The GR-326 certification advantage
The trend in today's FTTP environment is moving the fiber closer to the end user, making reliable OSP cabinets and their components a necessity. As part of its high performance OSP connectivity platform, APACN's fiber-optic termination has been tested by Telcordia Laboratories to determine conformance to GR-326 standards. The GR-326 conformance assures optical performance stability throughout the lifetime of the termination, even in extreme OSP environments, thereby reducing maintenance and deployment challenges in the FTTP passive optical network. APACN claims it is the first manufacturer of 900-micron cable assemblies to complete the certification testing.