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Accelerating Expansion of Outside Plant Infrastructure

Only about 50% of households in the US have access to fiber-optic broadband and other advanced cable services. To extend their reach, telecom companies are looking for opportunities to accelerate infrastructure deployment while minimizing maintenance costs and field failures. Leveraging deep-rooted expertise in optical technologies and durable connectivity, Molex is poised to meet the demands of Outside Plant (OSP) infrastructure development with innovative cabling, rugged connectors and specialty hardware. 

Overview


OSP infrastructure represents the physical backbone of telecommunication networks, serving as the conduit for internet and telephone services.

The scope of OSP operations is extensive, encompassing the deployment and upkeep of all requisite physical cabling and ancillary support structures, such as conduits, cabinets and poles. This infrastructure also includes essential hardware components like splitters and repeaters, which are instrumental in delivering fiber optic signals and power to consumer premises. Often underground or on the exterior of buildings, OSP cabling needs to withstand environmental variables such as extreme heat, cold and humidity that can affect performance and lead to field failures.

With a long history and deep expertise in developing fiber optics and network connectivity for telecom OEMs globally, Molex is already trusted with the most valuable connections in communication networks. Molex engineering brings in-depth understanding of product ease-of-use and durability requirements as well as the advanced manufacturing techniques needed to deliver a more intelligent approach to OSP expansion.


Challenges and Solutions in OSP Installation

The rate of establishing new optic lines is directly related to the ease of product use. 

In-field challenges such as locating legacy cables and splicing cause unforeseen delays, disrupting planned operations. Cable splitting typically requires specialized tools and expertise. Even for skilled technicians, opening fiber-optic cable housings can prolong installation by hours.

Local service providers may see an increase in network maintenance costs due to field failures from inferior cabling that deteriorates under extreme temperatures. Such network failures and service interruptions can result in customer dissatisfaction, regulatory penalties and monetary losses.

New FFTx product solutions from Molex introduce rugged and reliable technology across a range of diverse applications. Remarkably, even with added durability, Molex OSP cable is easy for installers to cut without special tools.  

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The Molex OSP Solution

Molex's established hardware offerings, combined with our innovative advancements in outdoor optical cabling, provide reliable connections for Outside Plant (OSP) applications. This combination provides an extensive portfolio for OSP professionals:

The full OSP product portfolio includes:

  • Outdoor Optical Cable
  • Multi-Service Terminals 
  • Pre-Terminated Flat Drop Cables 
  • Fiber Entrance & Wall Outlets 
  • Optical Cable Assemblies 
  • Custom Hardware Solutions

Engineered to last over two decades, Molex optical cabling is designed with an easily accessible jacket that facilitates fast and efficient termination and splicing. It is built to withstand extremes from -40°F to +158°F. 

These components are integral to robust OSP infrastructure, ensuring high-performance and long-term reliability for installers and end users alike.

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