AFL and Dura-Line Launch the eABF™ Air-Blown Fiber Cabling Solution

SPARTANBURG, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AFL and Dura-Line have joined together to develop a high-performance air-blown fiber optic cabling system - eABF™ (Enterprise Air-Blown Fiber). Engineered to offer a reliable, easy-to-integrate optical fiber network communications infrastructure, eABF has one of the highest fiber density solutions in the air-blown fiber market. The eABF solution has several key elements that, when combined yield a state-of-the-art and highly flexible, future-proof communications pathway.

“By removing this initial installation cost barrier, network designers will realize that the eABF solution can be their primary network pathway infrastructure.”

“The eABF approach to structured cabling technology has the potential to change the industry by eliminating the initial high cost typically associated with traditional air-blown fiber systems,” commented Stephen Martin, AFL product manager. “By removing this initial installation cost barrier, network designers will realize that the eABF solution can be their primary network pathway infrastructure.”

The core of the eABF solution is the cable and duct. One of the unique features of the cable is the patent-pending low-friction high-drag jacketing system that enables the cable to move along the duct at a faster rate of speed. In addition, the eABF cable is Telcordia GR-409 compliant and flame-rated for OFNR and OFNP environments. As a result, the cable can be deployed within the cable raceway and management system once exiting the pathway without the need for additional costly furcation tubing. The cable geometry makes it ideal for installation in the Dura-Line 8.5 mm x 6 mm Enterprise FuturePath® system and is available in fiber counts up to 48 fibers. Fiber types include single-mode, OM2, OM3 and OM4 employing bend insensitive fiber technology.

The eABF pathway system, developed by Dura-Line, is comprised of Enterprise FuturePath duct products and includes Indoor/Outdoor HDPE, riser, plenum and low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) options. All eABF ducts incorporate a low-contact, ribbed inner surface and ultra-low friction Silicore^® lining which creates a low drag, high velocity cable jetting channel within the duct. Unlike other air-blown fiber systems in the market, the eABF cable-duct combination also allows for installations, without the use of air, up to 1,000 feet. The eABF FuturePath duct comes in a variety of sizes and tube counts ranging from two through 25.

“Distinct from traditional air-blown fiber solutions for the enterprise market, eABF provides a solution that will maximize your investment, offering tremendous material and labor cost savings when future network bandwidth requirements need to be expanded or upgraded,” stated Stephen Martin, AFL product manager.

Ideal for data centers, private networks, high-rise buildings, urban and medical campuses, the eABF solution is NEC 770 compliant for both raceways and ducts. A fully integrated solution, the eABF cabling solution comes complete with AFL connectivity, closures, enclosures, patch cords and connectors, fusion splicers and test equipment. The solution also includes design, Bill of Materials and SOW support, contractor training and project management. When the eABF solution is installed by a CLi contractor, the system is warrantied for 25 years.

For more information on the eABF solutions, visit www.AFLglobal.com or www.duraline.com.

About AFL

AFL provides industry-leading products and services to the electric utility, broadband, communications, OEM, enterprise, wireless and transit rail markets as well as the emerging markets of oil and gas, mining, nuclear, avionics, medical, renewable and intelligent grid. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes fiber optic cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectors, fusion splicers, test equipment and training. AFL’s service portfolio includes market-leading positions with the foremost communications companies supporting inside plant central office, EF&I, outside plant, enterprise and wireless areas.

Founded in 1984, AFL is proud to offer engineering expertise, exceptional products and reliable service that help our customers improve their critical and electrical infrastructure. AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Europe and Asia. The company is headquartered in Spartanburg, SC, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

About Dura-Line

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Dura-Line is the global leader of high density polyethylene-based conduit, duct and pressure pipe solutions for telecom, energy and infrastructure related markets. Dura-Line serves customers in over 50 countries and is the exclusive provider for many of the world’s leading telecom companies. For additional information, please visit www.duraline.com.