Application of Ultra-Low Bending Loss Fiber 'PureAccess-R5' to Optical Wiring in FTTx Access Networks

摘要

In 2002, Sumitomo Electric launched its leading edge low bending loss fiber "PureAccess" that has an allowable bending radius of 15 mm. By virtue of its improved handling, the company has contributed to the construction of FTTx networks through its info-communications technology and products including cables, termination boxes and connectors. As the FTTx networks expand throughout the world, there is an ever increasing demand for fiber that facilitates overall space savings and decreases deployment time and costs. To meet the demand, we have developed a new ultra-low bending loss fiber "PureAccess-R5," which shows negligible bending loss even at a bend as small as 5 mm radius. The PureAccess-R5 is fully compliant with ITU-T G.657.B3 Recommendation, the new standard established in 2009 for minimum bending radius of 5 mm. Furthermore, the PureAccess-R5 is designed to have almost the same MFD (mode field diameter) as the conventional PureAccess, and therefore, can be connected with low coupling loss to existing access networks. This paper shows the transmission characteristics of the PureAccess-R5 including its low bending loss and low loss connectivity to existing fibers. We also describe the application of this fiber to PureFlex-slim indoor cable, which has high durability and flexibility. This newly fabricated cable realizes more reliable and flexible indoor wiring. The cable also shows excellent stability in attenuation and transmission characteristics under severe bending tests simulating actual installation and handling. Thus it is confirmed that the PureFlex-slim cable with PureAccess-R5 fiber has ideal characteristics for FTTx wiring.