Fall Product Roundup: Innovations in OSP Equipment and Infrastructure
Key Highlights
- Innovative products from CommScope, Corning, Creative Composites Group, Panduit, RaDD Network Services, and Terra-Vaults.
Broadband deployment is evolving quickly, and outside plant (OSP) innovations are helping network operators meet growing demand with greater speed, efficiency and reliability. From installation-time breakthroughs to materials built for extreme conditions, these products showcase how manufacturers are responding to today’s challenges while anticipating tomorrow’s needs.
XPND Fiber Platform from CommScope
COMMSCOPE SAYS: The XPND fiber platform bridges the gap between rapidly evolving active equipment and long-term passive infrastructure, providing a modular, scalable solution that adapts to change. Its compact, open design supports flexible configurations, reduces the need for extensive technician training, and optimizes space in both large and constrained environments. By enabling a “pay-as-you-grow” model, it helps reduce capital expenditure while minimizing SKUs and inventory complexity. It simplifies deployment, eases cable management, and supports both centralized and distributed FTTH architectures. The XPND platform was inspired by the need to reconcile the opposing dynamics of fiber network design: fast-changing active technologies versus the long lifespan of passive fiber infrastructure. The fully open, modular design enables operators to reconfigure as needed while supporting future growth. commscope.com
Evolv Field-Installable Pushlok Connector from Corning
CORNING SAYS: The Evolv Field-Installable Pushlok connector is an industry-leading innovation designed to unlock increased network deployment speed, ease of use and sustainability. It combines the flexibility of a field-installable solution with award-winning push-and-click Pushlok technology, allowing for quicker and easier installations. This hardened connector reduces the complexity and cost of subscriber connections by allowing installers to strip, clean, cleave and connect in a fusion splice-free installation to customize drop lengths and complement high-running discrete length factory-terminated drops. Field-Installable Pushlok can significantly cut down installation time to five minutes or less—up to twice as fast as any other hardened field-installable connector on the market. It is the first OSP grade termination of its kind, requiring no polishing, expensive tools or a tabletop for fusion-splicing and offers one-time reuse. corning.com
Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Solutions from Creative Composites Group
CREATIVE COMPOSITES GROUP SAYS: The innovation that excites us the most is the use of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) within the data center industry. FRP can fill an important gap due to its inherent corrosion resistance, light weight and durability. FRP utility poles are used to bring power into a data center, and fiberglass conduit systems serve as a protective channel for cable and wiring. FRP won’t burn through like PVC, which can eliminate elbow repair or replacement. FRP cooling towers are lighter weight and modular, maximizing footprint and are highly energy efficient. Tower Tech towers by CCG are also designed to mitigate legionella bacteria and are available in a closed-loop design to deliver to the high-quality standards of data centers. Unlike aluminum, steel or concrete, products made from FRP will not rust, spall or corrode. Composite telecom and data center products are ideal for stormy, salty coastal regions, fire-prone areas and locations that experience harsh winter storms. creativecompositesgroup.com
Dual-Purpose Pedestal from Panduit
PANDUIT SAYS: This innovative dual-purpose pedestal uniquely supports both Multiport Service Terminals (MSTs) and splice trays within a single enclosure. This integration allows network operators to consolidate two essential OSP functions—distribution and splicing—into one product, reducing the number of separate enclosures that need to be deployed, inventoried and maintained in the field. Labor shortages and installation complexity are addressed with pre-connectorized cables and integrated mounting that dramatically reduce the need for skilled labor and minimize installation time. Fewer unique SKUs make procurement, warehousing and deployment more efficient and cost-effective, while the compact design optimizes use of space. Ruggedized enclosures and weather-resistant materials ensure long-term performance in extreme outdoor conditions. This innovation was inspired by the urgent need to bridge the digital divide and bring robust broadband connectivity to underserved communities. panduit.com
RFW Vault, Max-5 and Max-10 Pedestals and RFDC48-8 Splice Enclosure from RaDD
RADD SAYS: The RFW vault, measuring 24x36x30, features a flared design for maximum storage belowground while maintaining a compact aboveground footprint. Its lightweight body and cover are compatible with Tier 15 and Tier 22 lids, and its nesting capability optimizes shipping and warehouse storage. Max-5 and Max-10 pedestals offer a blend of strength and versatility, with durable, rodent- and insect-proof construction and interchangeable tops that can be replaced with vault lids. The RFDC48-8 splice enclosure is a compact, ultra-rugged distribution solution with an IP68 rating, accommodating up to 48 splices, three splitters, eight SC adapters and 16 LC connections. Engineered for efficiency and durability, it ensures secure, organized fiber management for underground, pedestal or aerial installations. raddnetwork.com
Polymer Concrete and FRP/Hybrid Vaults from Terra-Vaults
TERRA-VAULTS SAYS: Terra-Vaults provide durable and reliable underground protection for fiber-optic broadband networks. The Tier 22 polymer concrete vaults are RUS, ANSI and SCTE 77 approved and available in 12 sizes. They are the epitome of strength and performance for diverse infrastructural requirements. A flared-wall design gives cable and splice enclosures more room to breathe and allows the vaults to nest, doubling or even tripling the number of units per pallet to lower shipping costs. Reduced weight helps with easier placement and lower trucking costs, while a large, heavy-duty base keeps the vault in place from settling or heaving. The Tier 15-rated FRP/Polymer Hybrid vaults are suitable for lighter-handling needs. terra-vaults.com