The new 3M Expanded Beam Optical Connector System is a scalable single and multimode interconnect system for data centre applications.
Corning has agreed to buy substantially all of 3M’s Communication Markets Division to for $900 million in cash. The deal is part of the company’s strategy to spend $1 billion to $3 billion in acquisitions, Corning said.
3M’s communications business, which has annual global sales of about $400 million, consists of optical fibre and copper passive connectivity products for the telecom industry – including xDSL, FTTx and structured cabling systems – and, in certain countries, telecom system integration services.
3M has launched its latest generation of BPEO splice closures for fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) distribution networks. (BPEO is an abbreviation of boite protection environmental optique, a name that has been known within the industry for more than a decade.)
Providing fast and consistent quality of installation, the new BPEO product family aims to bring FTTH network cabling projects within reach of a far wider range of suppliers, without needing to always depend on highly qualified fibre-optic engineers.
Keely Portway finds out how optical networking interoperability is achieved through industry collaboration
Brian Teague offers the time and motion argument for inspection and cleaning in fibre cable assemblies
Keely Portway takes a look at what needs to be done over the next 12 months to move toward the goal of copper switch-off
Robin Mersh advises on overcoming complexities and opening up new opportunities with automation
Steve Harris looks ahead to the next 12 months and the impact that the latest technology may have on training for those on the front line
