What are pre-terminated fibre cables?
In a nutshell, pre-terminated fibre cables are cables that are pre-assembled, tested and terminated with a connector. These cables are often regarded as a ‘plug-and-play solution’ because they are delivered to site ready to be installed immediately. Pre-termination is a quick and cost-effective method to install fibre optic cables and is becoming increasingly popular.
What are the benefits of pre-terminated fibre?
As demands for full fibre continue to rise, the pressure is on to get all homes and businesses connected fast. However, higher infrastructure costs and lack of skilled labour are proving to be a challenge. So, there are several advantages of using pre-terminated fibre cables.
Faster deployment
The main benefit of pre-terminated fibre cables is that it presents a faster way of getting people connected. Pre-terminated fibre cables do not require field termination so once they are received on site, installers can start work and get the job done faster.
Saves time and money
Using pre-terminated cable means less engineers on location pulling and splicing or terminating them, which results in less time on site. Not only does this increase overall deployment but will also help installers meet project deadlines quicker. Less labour and time on site means lower costs on site compared to on-site termination or splicing.
Pre-terminated = pre-tested
Before the pre-terminated fibre cables are delivered to site, it is fully tested from end to end to ensure it performs as it should.
Less waste
Installers are often burdened with waste removal on site such as cable reels. They may also be left with metres of unused cable – which may not be suitable for other projects. Buying pre-terminated cables reduces the amount of waste on site.
The downside to pre-terminated fibre is that there is less room for flexibility. The installer needs to be as accurate as they can be in their measurements as there isn’t time to make changes to the fibre onsite. The exact length of the cable should be measured to avoid minimise any leftover fibre cable.
Whilst pre-terminated cables can deliver timely and cost-effective projects, using the right connectivity solutions will help ensure seamless FTTP installations.
Prysmian solutions for the last mile
Prysmian has a wide range of connectivity products that offer multiple solutions for last mile connections. We provide top quality products that connects everyone, from the network to the customer premises.
Mini CSP (mCSP)
The External Mini CSP has an ultra-compact design which allows for fast and easy installation by a single installer. The Mini CSP is ideal for FTTP applications with integral splicing. It is wall mountable with a single entry position for an input cable, accommodating up to two customer connection cables.
Customer Termination Point (CTP)
Designed to get the customer connected faster, the CTP has space for up to 2 SC Simplex or LC Duplex adapters. It features excess storage of up to 10m of 3mm cables and 25m of blown fibre units up to 1.25mm.
Hybrid Drop Box (HDB4)
The wall mounted HDB4 is used for the splicing of up to four fibres and up to four customer drop cables. It features an additional copper storage area to accommodate a hybrid cable. The box can be supplied as splice only, or with two duplex LC/APC adapters and four LC/APC pigtails for connectorised drops.
Pre-terminated Flat Compact Termination Box (Flat CTB)
The Flat CTB is designed for internal use in residential and business applications. Supplied with the required length of cable pre-installed in the factory, the Flat CTB eliminates the need for splicing or fitting field mount connectors in the customer premises. With a depth of 12mm, it has a discreet and slim design. Wall fixings are supplied with the box.
Learn more about our last mile connectivity solutions.