To enable fast installation of FTTP networks for multi-dwelling units (MDUs), 3M Communication Markets Division developed and recently introduced the One Pass Fiber Pathway. This horizontal cable pathway and drop cable solution can be installed in just one pass around a hallway perimeter.

MDU living is a fast-growing market. According to the 2008 “Fiberizing the MDU” report by Sean Buckley, there are approximately 700 million MDUs worldwide, occupied by one-third of the global population. By the year 2012 the number of MDUs passed with fiber could exceed 10 million per year. Economies of scale make FTTP deployments to MDUs more cost effective than deployments to single-family homes.

Using 3M adhesive technology to adhere the One Pass Duct to the wall, the One Pass Fiber Pathway from 3M is compatible with a variety of hallway wall surfaces. The low-profile design is less obtrusive than existing horizontal cable pathway solutions and because it’s flexible, the pathway conforms well to curved walls often found in older MDUs. Fewer parts and a continuous, seamless application process make installation of the 3M One Pass Fiber Pathway quick, reducing installation time and labor costs compared to traditional cable pathway and drop cable solutions. The One Pass Fiber Pathway is also suitable for use in hotels, hospitals, schools and small businesses.

Verizon delivers 100 percent fiber-optics straight to homes and small businesses. The telecommunications provider has approved and will be using the 3M One Pass Fiber Pathway to install its FTTP networks in its aggressive MDU endeavor. Today at the 2009 FTTH Conference and Expo in Houston, Kevin Smith, manager of Engineering Process Assurance at Verizon, will be on the “MDU Considerations” panel at 3:15 p.m., to discuss and provide best practices and methods for a successful fiber-optic deployment in MDUs.

Suitable for indoor use only, 3M One Pass Fiber Pathway is available in a variety of lengths and pre-loaded with 6 or 12 single-mode, bend-insensitive fibers and can be factory terminated at one end with SC connectors. The design enables quick, plug-and-play connections to vertical distribution cables in a fiber distribution terminal (FDT).

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. More information is on the 3M One Pass Fiber Pathway available at www.3MFiber.com.

More information about 3M Company, available online.

3M is a trademark of 3M.

All other trademarks listed herein are owned by their respective companies.

Editors: Electronic images will be available from http://www3.3m.com/dmrweb/servlet/Album?albumName=3MOnePass&albumPassword=onepass or contact Jane Kovacs at jkovacs@mmm.com. For all other inquiries: http://tinyurl.com/3MPressContact

3MJane Kovacs, 512-984-6747jkovacs@mmm.comon Twitter @3MJane