The race to 5G has made delivering reliable broadband connections more critical than ever before. The demand for both coverage and capacity in all sections of the 5G radio access network (RAN) Fronthaul, Midhaul, and Backhaul is increasing. To meet this demand, network providers, cellular carriers and manufacturers need to provide reliable fiber connections as close to the customer as possible (see video). Fiber assemblies of the highest quality that are simple and fast to install are key to creating a robust, cost-effective network that supports the expected pace of deployments.
Clearfield’s FieldShield Pushable pre-connectorized or multi-fiber assemblies were developed to be both user friendly and of the highest quality. As data rates increase, the .2dB or less insertion loss (vs the industry standard of .4dB) that FieldShield connections provide ensures that wireless 5G networks will function at optimal speeds far into the future.
FieldShield also offers the advantage of a plug-and-play approach by providing small, pre-connected assemblies that the installer can simply plug into network components. This allows more network elements to be turned up quicker, and thus more networks to be brought on line.
Because of the small footprint of the FieldShield assemblies (4 mm), designers and installation crews are often able to use existing conduit pathways to add network elements. This feature reduces both the turn-up time and construction costs for each job.
When more than one fiber is needed for a network connection, Clearfield offers the FieldShield Pushable Multi-fiber Push On (MPO) cable assembly. These multi-fiber cable assemblies, available in both 12- or 24-fiber counts, packaged in an 8.3 mm footprint and with a .35dB loss, give designers the flexibility to tailor network components to varying deployment geographies. Because no splicing is required, installation crews are also utilized as the turn-up crew in most cases—drastically reducing installation costs.
Costs are further reduced with FieldShield assemblies coupled with Clearview Cassettes at points of aggregation. The Clearview Cassette is a scalable network building block element for use in almost all areas of the RAN. In the 5G Fronthaul section of RAN, a single cassette is used to distribute fibers to multiple antennas of a single carrier or aggregate multiple carrier antennas for transport. In the Midhaul section, these same cassettes are used to provide test points or patch panels to direct traffic to various small cell or DAS locations. In the backhaul section, the cassette is used to connect network electronics in a central office or headend. One stock keeping unit (SKU) for the Clearview Cassette allows multiple uses throughout the 5G wireless network.
To see if Clearfield FieldShield single fiber cable assemblies, MPO multi-fiber assemblies and Clearview Cassettes are right for your next deployment, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I need an easier way to connect my network elements?
- Do I need the ability to use existing pathways?
- Do I want to minimize or eliminate splicing in the field?
- Do I need high quality connections that are repeatable?
- Do I want to use my entry level technicians instead of highly trained splicers and equipment?
If the answer is yes to any of these, visit our website for wireless information and contact your Clearfield representative to experience faster turn up times, easier network deployments and high quality connections with fewer SKU’s.