Clearfield Reduces Labor Cost in the Access Network

FieldSmart Small Count Delivery Case Delivers Drop-Cable Fiber Protection With Innovative Modular Approach

MINNEAPOLIS, April 14, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clearfield, Inc. (Nasdaq:CLFD), the specialist in fiber management solutions for Fiber to the Premise (FTTp) deployments, is providing configuration flexibility in the last mile access point of FTTp networks with the launch of the FieldSmart Small Count Delivery (SCD) Case - an innovative, intuitive modular enclosure system that provides for any drop cable media in all application environments. While utilizing proven traditional sealed closure techniques, designers of the FieldSmart SCD Case have built in the modularity that allows for placement on strand, pole, above-grade pedestal, or below-grade level vault environments. By delivering a single enclosure for any deployment topology, Clearfield is offering broadband service providers the key to reducing installation and maintenance costs in the access network.

Integrated Solution for Optimal Cost Savings

While the FieldSmart SCD Case supports all industry standard drop cable media, it has been optimized for utilization with the Miniflex QuikPush assembly. As the only North American manufacturer authorized to connectorize the Miniflex assembly, Clearfield is teaming with Miniflex to simplify field installation with a pushable (rather than the more traditional pulled) design. The Miniflex solution can be pushed through TuffDuct microduct directly into the SCD Case for ease of access and rapid user turn-up. In addition, when deployed with the CraftSmart Fiber Protection (FP) line of pedestals and vaults, the FieldSmart SCD Case is setting the standard for integrated fiber protection and management. Available with a fiber-enabled Clearview xPAK, the SCD Case is currently shipping at an industry-leading price point of under $200.

Industry Response Overwhelming

"We like the way Clearfield thinks," John Walker, senior project engineer at Mid-State Consultants, commented. "The industry needs a scalable solution for drop cable deployment that recognizes that FTTp deployments come in all shapes and sizes – and can't all be pre-engineered off-site. This is a real world solution that reflects the field-proven design concepts that are apparent throughout the FieldSmart product line."

Craft-Friendly Design

The modular approach of the FieldSmart SCD Case allows for the removal of the cable management bulkhead for cable prep, termination or splicing in a conditioned environment such as a splice trailer. Dual round entry/exit ports allow for direct landing of feeder cable and/or mid-span techniques. The SCD Case accommodates the plug-n-play technology advantages of the Clearview xPAK and Miniflex drop cable system or traditional flat drop cable solutions using industry standard or HFOC connectors. The SCD Case also provides for splicing of the drop directly to the feeder or to the outbound legs of 1x4, 1x8, or 1x16 splitters in distributed split architecture.

When placed as an insert into Clearfield's CraftSmart Fiber Protection Pedestal (FPP), additional cost savings can be realized by eliminating the sealed dome cover and substituting a UV-rated 3mm polyethylene bag that seals the insert from moisture and uses the cover of the pedestal for physical protection.

Whitepaper/Video Presentation Available

To learn more about how quality performance reduces the cost of today's broadband marketplace, a whitepaper has been posted on http://www.fiberpuzzle.com/whitepapers. To learn more about the FieldSmart SCD Case, 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 April 14, 2011