Bend-insensitive multimode fiber from Prysmian aims data centers

The Draka UC-FUTURE bend-insensitive cables come with either OM3 or OM4 multimode fiber using Draka’s BendBright technology. The family includes four cables, in counts up 144 tightly buffered fibers within a 9-mm cable diameter. Prysmian believes the cables are particularly well suited for use as distribution cables inside data centers as well as for the central exchanges of telecommunication systems.

Prysmian says that, alongside the continued evolution of OM4 multimode fiber standards, bend-insensitive fiber has inspired new, reduced-size cable designs that are lighter in weight, improve cooling efficiency, and offer reduced environmental footprints. The resulting compact cable cabinets reduce cost of ownership, while smaller diameter, flexible cables enable increased cabling density.

Draka introduced the first versions of BendBright in 2002, in singlemode. The company unveiled its MaxCap-BendBright-OM3/4 multimode bend-insensitive fiber in 2009. Prysmian says the demand for bend-sensitive fiber and cable is intense, with singlemode bend-insensitive cables alone exceeding the 3 million km production mark.