R&M completes the Venus housing family with a solution for the smallest distributors / Support for broadband infrastructures on the surface / Security for fibers

Wetzikon, November 2007.
Miniaturized distribution systems clear the way for Fiber-To-The-Building (FTTB) and Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH). The Swiss cabling specialist, Reichle & De-Massari (R&M, www.rdm.com) supports network operators on this level with the Venus FML Box. The newly developed, extremely small special housing can be used as a transition point on residential and commercial buildings. It provides space and protection for up to four fiber optic terminations. With the Venus FML box, network operators can push ahead fiber optic cabling on the surface with minimum installation expenditures and achieve a highly delayed fine distribution - a decisive factor in the configuration of broadband Next Generation Networks with high-performance services, such as IPTV.

The last few meters to the subscriber have specific small distributor requirements. The components must be particularly adaptable and resistant. They are subjected to rough environmental conditions. R&M's solution is called Venus. The variable housing system of sturdy plastic is internationally well-proven in classic telephone networks with copper cabling. It can be mounted quickly and easily on buildings, it saves space, its design is discrete and it is suitable for any climate.

With the Venus FLA Box, R&M provides a larger version for fiber optic cabling. It can accommodate up to 72 cable-to-cable spliced fibers or 12 plugged-in connections. Hybrid installations can also be implemented with the Venus Box. The new Venus FML Box is intended for additional fine distribution. It contains only up to four fiber terminations and a specially constructed splice tray with a fiber-protecting bending radius of 40 mm. The adapter support is compatible with R&M's E-2000, SC, FC and ST as well as E-2000 Compact, SC Compact and LC Duplex (*) connector systems.

Comprehensive fiber protection was important in the product development, which is why the attachment points were placed in external bases. Thus, no dust falls into the box when it is mounted on building walls. In short-term moving or removal of the box, connections must not be interrupted. A second transparent cover protects the splices and connections inside. Additional security factor: the interior cover can be sealed at two points.

The outside cover meets the IP54 protection criteria, which means no dust or splash water can penetrate. The cover can be secured with a cylinder lock. An opening angle of 130° and snap-in cams facilitate access and thus installation and maintenance.

The Venus family is suitable for any climate. The housings are made of UV-stabilized ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate). This material is also used in the car industry, in sports and recreation materials and in various installations. The plastic remains highly resistant against weathering, aging and bleaching for at least 20 years. It is impact- and scratch-resistant as well as temperature-stable in the range of -40°C to + 85°C.

(*) E-2000TM manufactured under license from Diamond SA, Losone