VertiCasa™ crosses the ocean - again the Sky's the limit

Milan , Italy (September 22nd, 2008) - Prysmian is pleased to announce the launch of its VertiCasa™ cabling system into the North American market. Prysmian’s VertiCasa™ system is specifically designed for bringing optical fiber directly into high-rise apartments and office buildings. The heart of the VertiCasa™ system is a new concept in optical cable construction, which allows remarkably easy fiber access and break-out. Prysmian’s VertiCasa™ system has been widely deployed throughout the world. And now, Prysmian has tailored the VertiCasa™ system to meet the specific needs of the North American market.

The VertiCasa™ system provides a fast and flexible means of connecting users in a multiple dwelling unit (MDU) whether for new buildings or retro fitting to existing buildings. The system is built around a special riser cable, from which long lengths of fiber can easily be extracted. Fibers are removed through small breakout windows in the riser cable using Prysmian's patented access method. This allows the riser cable to be installed without slack loops, and requires very little space for fiber access, fiber routing in the vertical riser and horizontal connections. The extracted fibers can be routed directly to individual subscribers without the need for intermediate splices. Various accessories are also available, which allow a wide range of installations in the horizontal space.

This innovative technology has already made VertiCasa™ one of the most appreciated FTTH innovations of 2008. This interest has been confirmed by a large number of FTTH projects under way in several locations in Western Europe, The Middle East and Asia. Prysmian is continuing to build upon this successful experience by providing new features developed specifically for the North American market.

The VertiCasa™ system will also be available in conjunction with preconnectorized MDU cables and components in order to provide efficient installations and reduce labor costs.

The VertiCasa™ system also offers a full spectrum of bend-tolerant fibers, including Prysmian's leading-edge CasaLight™ Xtreme fiber. In the most demanding applications, CasaLight™ Xtreme can be used for bend radii as small as 5mm. VertiCasa™ drop cables containing CasaLight™ Xtreme have been designed to withstand sharp 90 degree bends under tension and installation with staple guns. CasaLight™ Xtreme exceeds the requirements of ITU-T Recommendation G.657.B, while remaining fully compatible with G.652 fiber. This allows customers to choose the ideal fiber for each network segment, thereby optimizing the optical and economic performance of their network design.

The VertiCasa™ system comprises all supporting accessories and connectivity products necessary to complete the full installation from main fiber distribution point, generally in the basement of the MDU, through to the end user.