The use of multi-fiber ferrules in FTTP applications

With the long-awaited arrival of the fiber-to-the-premises initiative (FTTP), there has been a focused effort to devise the most effective solutions for construction of the needed outside plant infrastructure. The outcome of this activity is a preconnectorized solution for the distribution network based on the MT ferrule. The main advantages of the MT-based solution include lower initial capital investment per home passed, speed of deployment, and a reduced need for precise field measurements of the cable plant. The lower capital requirement for service providers results from the ability to delay in time the placement of the network access point terminal with its associated adapters and pigtails. The speed of deployment advantage comes from the compact nature of the resulting tap point. An overmold process is used to provide a small, flexible solution that works well with outside plant installation practices. Due to its flexibility, it can be routed easily. The reduced need for field tap location measurement accuracy stems from the fact that one can now install the cable and measure exactly where the final terminal needs to be because of a flexible tether length that is part of the design. An additional advantage attributable to the use of the tether is the ability to use whatever enclosure solution makes sense in a given application without regard for whether or not it passes through a sheave wheel. The proposed paper will cover the evolution of the terminal distribution system for FTTP networks and discuss the capability and performance of the new MT-based system. Test data on a new multifiber ferrule based connector to Telcordia GR-3120 will be presented. Additional testing of the completed assembly to Telcordia GR-3122 will be presented.