Corning Unveils Ultra-Low-Loss, Single-Mode Optical Fiber For Long-Haul And Regional Networks

Corning, NY — Corning Incorporated recently unveiled a new single-mode optical fiber with Corning® ultra-low-loss technology. This fiber has world-class specifications for low attenuation and low polarization mode dispersion (PMD), enabling greater system reach and longer span lengths in long-haul and regional terrestrial networks.

This fiber, fully compatible with the installed base of single-mode fibers, has the lowest loss of any terrestrial-grade fiber with maximum attenuation available between 0.17 and 0.18 dB/km at 1550 nm. Additionally, the fiber has the lowest PMD of any ITU-T G.652 compliant optical fiber featuring a = 0.04 ps/vkm PMDQ link design specification. Combined, these features provide spare network margin that can be leveraged to extend network span lengths, skip amplification sites, upgrade to faster bit rates, add network components for improved flexibility or lengthen the distance between regenerators.

"Extended fiber reach brings significant value to our carrier customers and is especially useful in constructing and planning new networks which must span difficult terrain," said Eric Musser, senior vice president and general manager, Corning Optical Fiber. "With Corning ultra-low-loss fiber technology, the world's network operators will have flexible design options that can result in significant cost savings upon installation and over the lifetime of the network."

Corning is the first optical fiber manufacturer to offer this unique combination of ultra-low attenuation levels and low PMD levels in a G.652-compliant product. This is the second Corning optical fiber product to be commercialized featuring Corning ultra-low-loss fiber technology. Corning introduced a submarine product, Vascade® EX1000 fiber, with ultra-low-loss technology in 2006. For more information on Corning optical fiber, please visit www.corning.com/opticalfiber.

SOURCE: Corning Incorporated