4.1.09 — Clearfield Extends FieldSmart FDP Pedestal Line with ‘PON in a PED’

Clearview Multiplied technology brings scalability to small-scale FTTp deployments

MINNEAPOLIS (April 1, 2009) — Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD), a specialist in fiber management solutions for fiber to the premises (FTTp) deployments, announced today its FieldSmart Fiber Delivery Point (FDP) “PON in a PED” series.

The FieldSmart FDP PON in a PED allows broadband service providers to team industry-standard pedestals, traditionally used in a copper infrastructure, with a separate insert that is Clearfield-factory pre-configured. The new solution provides fiber connectivity, cable drop splicing, sheath-to-sheath splicing, and optical component housings within the Clearview Cassette. As a result, broadband service providers can now enjoy all of the fiber protection and scalability provided in the FieldSmart Fiber Scalability Center outside plant cabinet within a much smaller footprint.

The FieldSmart FDP PON in a PED is ideal for smaller communities and neighborhoods as it scales from 12 to 96 homes served. Because the FieldSmart FDP PON in a PED uses all of the same components as other elements of the FieldSmart Fiber Management Platform, users experience a reduction in operational expense given that installations are faster and inventory stocking levels are reduced.

About the FieldSmart FDP PON in a PED
Integrating feeder, distribution, drop cable splices, splitters and cable slack storage for any FTTp deployment, the FieldSmart FDP PON in a PED is a cost-effective and flexible option for fiber deployment. Engineered to allow for FTTp rollouts without a large initial capital expense, integrated fiber management minimizes the risk of fiber damage. As an alternative to the traditional fiber distribution hub, the FieldSmart FDP PON in a PED reduces deployment costs as no pad or underground enclosure is necessary at the installation point. Allocation of cassette splicing to multiple cable sheaths, along with mid-span capable hardware, allows the user to express fiber buffer tubes through the pedestal or provide an interconnect point for separate but parallel networks.

“Future-proofing a FTTp network is critical to the long-term financial viability of the installation,” explains Johnny Hill, chief operating officer at Clearfield. “The FieldSmart FDP Pedestal Insert series has been designed to allow the user to deploy a drop-only pedestal today and then easily convert that unit to a PON pedestal at a later date when additional feeder fibers are required.”

Clearview Multiplied
With the Clearview Cassette as its foundation, the FieldSmart FDP PON in a PED uses the same components as the other elements of the FieldSmart platform. As an “Any Application, Anywhere Multiplier,” the Clearview Cassette reduces training and installation time for the technician and allows for a single fiber management component to be stocked for all environments – thereby reducing inventory stocking levels during installation or maintenance.

The Clearview Cassette ensures that all the basic principles of fiber management are satisfied without exposure to environmental hazards or human interaction.

Integrated cassette components fully nest into the cassette’s main housing to support any application or fiber type desired. Within the cassette, all fibers from the sub-assembly are slack stored, bend radius protected, and secured against accidental physical damage from handling. Designed to handle the toughest operating environments, the Clearview Cassette provides flexibility and reliable performance in the access network, the central office and in the field.
The Clearview Cassette utilizes a clear outer-housing, allowing for quick and easy first-step troubleshooting for unacceptable light conditions. Tool-less snap-together nesting covers and a removable 12-pack adapter plate allow for easy access to terminated sub-assemblies for maintenance and cleaning.

Availability
The FieldSmart FDP PON in a PED is currently shipping. Additional information can be obtained at http://www.ClearfieldConnection.com.

About Clearfield, Inc.
Clearfield, Inc. designs and manufactures the FieldSmart Fiber Management Platform, which includes its latest generation FieldSmart Fiber Distribution System (FDS), FieldSmart Fiber Scalability Center (FSC) and FieldSmart Fiber Delivery Point (FDP) Series. The FDS, FSC and FDP product lines support a wide range of panel configurations, cabinet sizes, densities, connectors and adapter options, and are offered alongside an assortment of passive optical components for the inside plant, outside plant and access networks. Clearfield also provides a complete line of fiber and copper assemblies for inside plant and outside plant environments. Clearfield is a public company, traded on NASDAQ:CLFD.