3M Introduces One Pass Fibre Pathway

3M, the diversified technology company, has launched its 3M One Pass Fibre Pathway range in the UK and Ireland.
Addressing the growing demand for high speed broadband in apartment blocks and other multi-dwelling units (MDUs), the One Pass Fibre Pathway system is fast to install and involves minimal disruption to a building or its occupants.
The system will be on show at the Fibre to the Home Council Europe conference, being held in London between 19 and21 February 2013.
By using an adhesive exclusive to 3M to achieve a durable bond to hallways and walls, no sawing, stapling or hammering is involved. Installation can usually be completed in one visit, typically less than two hours, with just one small crew. Once installed, One Pass Fibre Pathway has been described as 'virtually invisible' - about the width of a pencil it can be painted to blend with the wall surface.
Says Neil Roberts, General Sales and Marketing Manager, responsible for 3M’s electrical and telecommunications markets in the UK & Ireland: "Telecom companies and building owners realise that customers in multi-dwelling units want the high-speed broadband benefits that fibre networks can provide, particularly with the rise of video on demand, online gaming, HDTV, VOIP and high-tech security systems. However, upgrading in-building networks has previously been costly, messy and time-consuming. That is why the One Pass Fibre Pathway range represents such a breakthrough, because it enables FTTx installation that is fast, simple and has minimal impact on buildings or end users."
The One Pass Fibre Pathway Duct by 3M is a surface-mount, adhesive-backed indoor drop cable and cable pathway system that can be installed in just one site visit around the perimeter of a MDU hallway.
With the additional of the One Pass Mini Fibre Pathway by 3M, fibre can be further extended into the living unit or office, helping to ensure high-quality broadband connection deep within buildings. This single fibre product is simply connected to the hallway distribution cable and then positioned on a wall outlet near an optical network termination. Installers can choose from a variety of cable lengths, which are pre-loaded with 6 or 12 fibres. Cables can also optionally be factory-terminated with SC connectors to make installation even easier and faster.
The unit can be mounted on most surfaces, including painted concrete and once installed, the ivory-coloured PVC cable sheath can be painted to match the wall. Corners can be handled with ease, because the bend-sensitive fibre ensures the correct bend radius leading so signal integrity is not compromised.
This is the first time that the range of One Pass Fibre Pathway solutions have been available in the UK and now forms an integral part of the 3M FTTx Network product range. The One Pass Fibre Pathway range has been installed across the world with, according to 3M’s own customer research, typical project cost savings averaging 35 per cent compared to traditional methods.
Universal Communications Group recently used the One Pass Mini Fibre Pathway and One Pass Fibre Pathway to install a fibre network in Pacific Park, a 162-unit condominium community in Sydney, Australia. "We chose One Pass Fibre Pathway from 3M because it was the only solution that offered fast installation with minimal disruption to our residents and an unobtrusive design,” said Jack Mazaraki, Pacific Park's consulting architect. “One Pass was a great solution for this property. The fibre to the unit network is delivering an excellent TV service with minimal aesthetic impact. It also provides a solid platform for the future delivery of additional services to residents, such as IP-based access control and security options."
www.3M.co.uk/structuredcabling