Patented Design Enables Quick Installs and Lowers Maintenance and New Construction Costs
With the new One Step Closure for Wireless (OSCW) from 3M, cellular operators now have a cost-competitive solution for protecting the cable connection at a wireless tower in cellular networks. For the installer and line technician, the unique, compact design (patent pending) of the new enclosures also means quick installation that does not compromise environmental or mechanical protection.
As cellular networks continue to migrate to next-generation technology, repairing and maintaining existing wireless tower infrastructure helps avoid costly disruptions in service that can result from failures in at the cable connection due to rain, fluctuating temperatures or mechanical malfunctions.
The new OSCW from 3M combines the company's core strength of environmental and mechanical protection products with more than 40 years in the telecommunications industry. Two versions of the patented design seal the cable connection on a wireless tower. The OSCW-L (large) encloses the connection from the feeder cable to the jumper cable while the OSCW-S (small) protects the connection from the jumper cable to the antenna.
Both OSCW enclosures feature a patented sealing gel surrounding the edges of the closure to guard against moisture and water. Because the gel does not stick to the connector, the enclosure can easily be re-entered and re-used. The easy-to-close latch can be closed with one hand and does not require tools. Installation of the entire enclosure can be completed in less than five minutes, increasing safety while keeping field labor costs down. With a design that allows multiple reuse and re-entry, maintenance costs and overall cost of ownership stay low as well.
The enclosures have been designed and tested to withstand water immersion and temperatures ranging from -40 C to 80 C (-40 F to 176 F). They are also UV, chemical and corrosion resistant and require no additional maintenance once installed. Overtime, the OSCW is designed to be a more cost-effective solution compared to other alternatives currently on the market.
About 3M Communication Markets Division
With more than 40 years in the telecommunications industry, 3M Communication Markets Division offers one of the widest and most comprehensive suite of scalable solutions to communications service providers around the world, from underground and buried plant, to central office, premises and more. Proven systems from 3M optimize network testing, construction, locating and maintenance for faster, more reliable high-bandwidth transmissions; enable physical media-layer capabilities for FTTP and DSL deployments from central office to customer premises; and deliver fiber optics technologies to leverage existing infrastructure or install completely new networks.
About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in combination - to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.
3M is a trademark of 3M Company.
Release Summary:
The new One Step Closure for Wireless (OSCW) from 3M, gives cellular operators a cost- competitive solution for protecting the cable connection at a wireless tower.
Keyword Tags:
3M, cable connection, cell tower, cellular network, cellular tower, closure, communication markets division, connection, line technician, telco, wireless tower
3M Public RelationsJane Kovacs, 512-984-6747jkovacs@mmm.com
