Charles Industries New Above-Grade Fiber Cross-Connect Pedestals Bring Cost Savings to FTTH

ROLLING MEADOWS, IL--(Marketwire - September 24, 2009) - Charles Industries, Ltd., a leading provider of outside plant innovations for communications service providers, has expanded its industry-leading family of fiber optic pedestal lines with the introduction of Charles Fiber Cross-Connects (CFXC) for point-to-point architecture fiber networks. CFXC provide a convenient cross-connect and testing point between the feeder network and the distribution field in Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks. Compared to traditional metallic cross-connect cabinets, their above-grade pedestal form factor is more convenient and less costly to install.

Unlike metallic cross-connect cabinets, the lift-off dome design of CFXC pedestals provides flood-proof environmental protection, allowing them to be installed in almost any location. Their compact size compared to large cabinets makes them easier to install and ideally suited to small communities and neighborhoods. Right-of-ways are no longer a concern and the units can be economically placed directly in the ground without the need for an expensive concrete pad.

CFXC feature a pre-stubbed cross-connect bulkhead with user-specified SC/APC or SC/UPC connectors. The bulkhead is sealed inside an inner dome that protects connectors from dust, insects and other contaminants. Routing guides are provided for organized fiber management of shielded or all-dielectric ribbon or loose tube fiber cable. Once placed in the network, technicians may turn up new customers quickly and easily by placing a pre-connectorized jumper from the feed panel to the distribution panel, all conveniently located on the front panel of the bulkhead

"Placing metallic cross-connect cabinets is often cost-prohibitive in small subdivisions and groups of homes," says Minesh Patel, vice president of Charles Industries' OSP Business Unit. "Charles Fiber Cross-Connect Pedestals are right-sized for these applications, with room for future expansion. By utilizing CFXC and doing away with permits and concrete pad placements, service providers realize a substantial cost savings."

CFXC are available in three pedestal diameters and five frame sizes with up to 48 (8"), 72 (8"), 96 (10"), 144 (12"), or 288 (12") fiber connections. Both stake-mount and vault-mount configurations are available. Vault-mount models are ideal for locations that require splice case or slack cable storage at the same location as the cross-connect placement.

CFXC join Charles Fiber Flexibility Point (CFFP) and Charles Fiber Distribution Point (CFDP) Interconnect pedestals in providing service providers a full range of pre-connectorized, above-grade fiber distribution solutions. CFFP Pedestals offer the same design and environmental protection features as CFXC Pedestals, but are intended as a cost-effective alternative to placing Fiber Distribution Hubs in the outside plant. Likewise, CFDP Interconnect Pedestals provide an above-grade alternative to optical interconnect-connect cabinets.

About Charles Industries, Ltd.

2009 marks Charles Industries' 41st year as a privately held, diversified manufacturing and technology company serving telecommunications, CATV, marine and industrial markets. Founded in 1968, the company is ISO 9001:2000 and TL 9000 registered and headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, with four additional U.S.-based manufacturing centers. For further information, please visit www.charlesindustries.com or call (847) 806-6300.

Contact Information: For more information: Brad Wackerlin Charles Industries, Ltd. (847) 258-8458 bwackerl@charlesindustries.com