Clearfield Ensures Fiber Protection With Enclosure Line Optimized for Optical Protection

CraftSmart Fiber Protection is Industry's First Field Enclosure System With Integrated Fiber Management and Protection

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 an optimized optical protection system with CraftSmart -- a full line of above- and below-grade field enclosures. The CraftSmart Fiber Protection Pedestals (FPP) and CraftSmart Fiber Protection Vaults (FPV) are integrated solutions, optimized to house the FieldSmart Small Count Delivery (SCD) Case at the last mile access point of the network in above-grade or below-grade installations.

The combined solution provides an "any application, any media, anywhere" approach to the unique challenges of delivering the last mile drop. The Fiber Protection Vaults (FPV) will also support integration of Clearfield's FieldSmart Fiber Scalability Center OSP cabinets and traditional splice point slack and closure storage. The CraftSmart line is RUS-listed and is currently shipping.

Integrated Design

"Retrofitting legacy copper solutions in the field is expensive and time-consuming," explains Johnny Hill, chief operating officer for Clearfield. "Clients have asked for an OSP environmental enclosure line that could reduce the cost of field deployment by providing complete hardware compatibility. CraftSmart optimizes fiber protection and storage while ensuring industry standards. Utilizing tried-and-true methods of sealing and below-grade protection, along with that Clearfield innovation, we have developed a complete, turn-key solution for the deployment of passive optics from the central office/head-end to the customer premise."

Product Details

The CraftSmart Fiber Protection Pedestal is the industry's most cost-effective thermoplastic enclosure system featuring a full complement of standard features, including a self-locking security cover and factory installed bracketry. CraftSmart Pedestals are available in two sizes - 9" x 22" and 10" x 24" - providing maximum work space and bend radius provisions for all passive cables and connectors.

The CraftSmart Fiber Protection Vaults lead the way with 1730, 2436, and 3048 sizes that set new performance standards for below-grade thermoplastic enclosures. Utilizing a straight vertical design that supports the cover's load across the entire vault, sidewall deflection is neutralized with a high-rib design for utilization in a variety of environments including greenbelt. A factory installed stud system on the interior wall allows for a variety of accessories from storage racks, horizontal brackets, and a two-position swing-arm for mounting Clearfield's FieldSmart SCD Case onto for easy access and storage.

Video Presentation Available  

To learn more about CraftSmart Fiber Protection, 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