Clearfield Extends Performance Levels With Addition of CraftSmart Splice-on Connectors

Assures Performance Levels Are Met When Factory Termination of a Fiber Isn't Possible

MINNEAPOLIS, May 10, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clearfield, Inc. (Nasdaq:CLFD),the specialist in fiber connectivity and management solutions for Fiber to the Premise (FTTp) deployments, announced the addition of CraftSmart Splice-on Connectors (SOC) to the product line portfolio. The CraftSmart SOC joins the newly introduced CraftSmart product line, a full line of above- and below-grade field enclosures that provide full optimization of fiber deployment when used alongside Clearfield's FieldSmart platform of inside plant fiber panels, outside plant cabinets and wall boxes.

"Our clients throughout the broadband marketplace depend upon us to assure performance and protection throughout their passive infrastructure," said Johnny Hill, chief operating officer at Clearfield. "Complementing our industry-leading FiberDeep patch cord, which guarantees performance at .2dB insertion loss, the CraftSmart SOC provides a quality interface when factory termination of the fiber connector isn't possible."

Product Details

In situations where a factory terminated fiber assembly isn't possible, the CraftSmart SOC provides the solution for consistent performance. Common applications include field restoration of a broken fiber or when the customer is using media that is expensive and/or difficult to store. In these cases, the customer prefers to cut the media to the exact length for his purposes and then uses the CraftSmart Splice-on Connector. The Clearfield advantage is that the protection splice sleeve is directly under the boot, making the routing of the terminated end easier.

The CraftSmart SOC is available in all industry standard connectors, including SC, SC APC and LC UPC. The SOC meets, and even exceeds industry standard insertion and return loss. Pre-polished and pre-cleaved, the CraftSmart SOC is packaged with all required connector components needed to splice a connector onto a 900um fiber in the field. CraftSmart Splice-on Connectors require the use of a fusion splicer with removable splice holders. To see a list of compatible splice machines, go to http://clearfieldconnection.com/products/craftsmart-splice-on-connector/.

Video Presentation Available

To learn more about CraftSmart Splice-on Connector, an informational video can be viewed at http://www.clearfieldconnection.com/resource-center/demonstration-videos/.

About Clearfield, Inc.

Clearfield, Inc. sets the standard for fiber performance with FiberDeep, while lowering the cost of broadband deployment with the FieldSmart fiber management platform and the CraftSmart OSP enclosure system. FieldSmart is the only fiber management platform to be designed around a single architecture – the Clearview Cassette and xPAK— for the inside plant, outside plant and access network. Scaling from 1 to 1728 ports, FieldSmart supports a wide range of panel and cabinet configurations, densities, connectors and adapter options, and are offered alongside an assortment of passive optical components. CraftSmart is the industry's only field enclosure system optimized for fiber deployment. FiberDeep is a new class of fiber patch cords that guarantees performance at .2dB insertion loss — fully half that of the industry standard. Clearfield provides a complete line of fiber and copper assemblies for inside plant, outside plant and access networks. Clearfield is a public company traded on Nasdaq:CLFD.

CONTACT: Gary Young
         612-247-8123
         garydyoung@comcast.net

Released May 10, 2011