Draka’s universal plug and play method adapts to each FTTH network construction environment

Fully integrated portfolio of smart software, friendly cables, configurable ducts and new connectivity products adds value for network operators and gives cost accountability at every stage of a project

FTTH Council Europe, Copenhagen, February 11, 2009 --

 Draka Communications, a global leader in the optical fiber industry, today announces a universal Next Generation Access Network deployment package with multiple solutions to help contractors construct a network efficiently. Network builders now benefit from smart network design, bend-friendly cables, new duct systems and a range of space-saving, and easy-to-install connectivity products to reduce installation time and costs, regardless of the underlying network architecture and topology .

” This year the building of passive FTTH infrastructures is evolving to a phase of maturity and cost accountability with the experience we are gaining daily in green field sites such as the city of Amsterdam and other Dutch cities, Paris, Denmark and Qatar. Draka’s knowledge and expertise has evolved considerably as we meet new challenges and design new products and processes to address these. Now we have a set of robust, standard solutions that can meet the needs of FTTH infrastructure constructors everywhere. ” said Albert Grooten, Technology Director, Broadband, Draka Communications.

Draka’s 2009 offer simplifies FTTH project implementation. It encompasses three integrated solutions for each engineering stage between the optical fiber cityring and the end-user’s home or office. These encompass the point of presence part of the network to the outside plant or access network segment as well as making available individual solutions for a variety of indoor installations.

Every component in Draka’s new portfolio is dedicated to implement specific parts of a next generation network with cost-efficiency. This coherent approach adds value for network operators at all stages of FTTH network implementation.

Each solution incorporates optimised optical fiber cables, carefully matched connectivity products, a choice of ducting possibilities and Draka’s network design and implementation software, DrakaXSNet network software implementation suite.

DrakaXSNet PoP --Last year Draka introduced ready to use pre-fabricated PoPs, made from pre-stressed, pre-armored concrete and manufactured to DIN specifications. Following a standardised assembly process, these are transported on- site for installation and simply lowered by a crane into place. This method is significantly quicker and cheaper to add an essential facility to a next generation network.

There are two types of PoP, an Area PoP and its feeder, the City PoP. In both cases, their design reduces the footprint and facilitates installation. By integrating BendBrightXS optical fiber, internal component size is reduced so that each PoP takes up little space. The result is a cost-effective alternative to fitting out an on-site facility, either inside an apartment block or an adjoining building. A typical Area PoP has rack space for nearly 2,900 end-user connections with a footprint of just 15 square meters. The City PoP has a footprint of only 27 square meters.

Points of presence are pre-fitted with Optical Distribution Frames. ODF modular design contributes to a high level of quality and consistency, simplifying the installation of active modules and patching of CATV, voice and data services.

DrakaXSNet OSP-- Draka outside plant solutions today give a choice of micro-duct technologies, and a full range of advanced connectivity Three Draka deployment methods are available.

JetNetXS is a proven technology with Loose Bundled Micro-ducts in underground protected ducts, the most resistant to crushing in all types of underground-buried situations. It also offers the longest cable blowing distances. The technology can be used with pre-installed microducts, but blowing the microducts in empty or even cable filled protected ducts is also possible.

MultiNetXS deploys Draka Tight Bundled micro-ducts for near surface, open conduit and aerial applications. It provides the largest number of micro-ducts in the smallest space, ideal for networks that need which fiber capacity and branching flexibility.The tight bundles of micro-ducts are pre-installed in a tube/duct, have no room to buckle, and are less vulnerable to temperature changes.

EaseNetXS , for bundles of Thick Walled micro-ducts, offers significant ease-of-use and cost advantages. Without the need for a protective duct, EaseNetXS micro-ducts can be branched off easily or direct-buried. Simple connectors are used to branch off microducts into the distribution part of the network. The technique is suitable for near-surface burial, open conduit and aerial applications as it minimizes the risk of damage caused by temperature fluctuations.

Outside plant material includes connectors and other components to match chosen tube feeders. Choices include: Y-connectors, H-branches, T-branches and wraparounds, a tube management box or micro-duct branching box, thick-walled connectors and a gastight termination/connector.

DrakaXSNet IS -- Draka’s Indoor solutions offer choice, based on the many variations of buildings to be connected. These choices are based upon cost-effective implementation for styles such as terraced, detached or semi-detached homes, multi-dwelling apartment blocks, standalone business units or skyscrapers. All solutions use advanced BendBrightXS cable with ColorLockXS optical-fiber coating for easy identification.

RetractaNet-XS is Draka’s in-building solution starting at the Indoor distribution box with a specially manufactured Riser Cable this runs from the demarcation point straight up through the building to the top floor. This unique Riser Cable is filled with smaller cables that are meant to be cut on the higher floors and retracted down to the lower floors where they can easily be brought directly to the customer premises.

Another option is pre-connectorized BendBrightXS cable that comes pre-fitted with the required connectors. This saves time, reduces errors, ensures consistency and lowers investment costs as well as future maintenance costs.

JetNetXS is also used to blow optical fiber cables into and throughout a building, usually a multi-dwelling unit or office block. As for outside plant use, it considerably reduces the time to install a network backbone in a multi-dwelling unit or similar environment.

For indoor use, specially developed connectivity components include: a wall-mount fiber distribution box (96 customers); a compact fiber distribution box (72 customers); flexible ducts with pre-installed micro-ducts (three sizes); branch-off connectors for flexible ducts (three sizes); a four-port customer outlet box for up to eight fiber connections; and retractable tapping boxes.

“ Over the period of a year we have upgraded our overall system, solution and product supply chain to provide a universal plug and play method that meets the challenges of FTTH infrastructure build-out,” says Albert Grooten.” We now have the most comprehensive portfolio on the market to enable network build-out with a dedicated focus on efficiency and cost reduction. Our objective is to deliver a high degree of cost accountability over the entire lifetime of an FTTH installation.”

Draka, headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is a €2.8 billion, publicly listed (Euronext) company with 9,550 employees worldwide. As from 2008, Draka’s activities are divided into three Groups: Energy & Infrastructure, Industry & Specialty and Communications.

Draka Communications is a world leader in the development, production and sale of optical fiber, cable and cable systems. Draka has 68 operating companies in 30 countries throughout Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia.

For more information please visit www.draka.com.

Diagram 1: Inline closure has a newly designed removable splice tray which makes it easier to access for direct buried work.

Diagram 2: The range of outside plant duct systems is quite extensive for various site situations. Draka’s portfolio covers every scenario.

Diagram 3: MultiNet, offers a range of tight bundled micro-ducts within a protective jacket for use when compact bundling is required

Diagram 4: JetNet, comprising protective ducts which are loosely bundled offering the highest impact resistance and world record blowing distances up to a kilometer

Diagram 5: EaseNet is a system of thick-walled micro-ducts within a protective