SlimConnect 1HE Technical Specifications: 96 Fibres in 1 RU
SlimConnect 1HE Technical Specifications: 96 Fibres in 1 RU – Maximum Packing Density
The SlimConnect 1HE splice module accommodates 96 fibres in 1 RU, delivering a high-density splice module with double the packing density of conventional 48-fibre systems. This exceptional fibre density is achieved through optimised cassette architecture with pre-terminated pigtails and precision fibre management, maintaining all relevant bending radii per IEC 61756 despite the high packing density. As a European manufacturer of modular fibre-optic solutions, Fiber Products is the only supplier in the DACH region to offer 5 years warranty on these high-density splice modules.
The technical challenge in developing 96-fibre systems lies in balancing maximum port density with practical installation handling. Modern data centres and FTTH distribution points increasingly demand higher fibre densities with reduced floor space, pushing conventional splice systems to their limits.
Technical Specifications of the SlimConnect 1HE System
The SlimConnect 1HE uses standardised 19-inch rack mounting with a height of exactly 44.45 mm (1 RU) and installation depth of 300 mm. The front panel is fully equipped with couplers and accommodates 48 duplex LC couplers, enabling a total of 96 individual fibre connections.
- Dimensions: 482.6 mm × 44.45 mm × 300 mm (W × H × D)
- Capacity: 96 fibres in LC duplex configuration
- Coupler types: LC, SC, E2000, ST, FC available
- Splice cassettes: 4 cassettes with 24 fibres each
- Fibre types: Singlemode OS2, multimode OM3/OM4/OM5
- Bending radius: Minimum 30 mm for G.657.A2 fibres
The design is based on extendable splice cassettes made from glass-fibre-reinforced plastic, enabling tool-free access to all splice points. Each cassette features integrated fibre guides and splice storage clips for up to 24 individual splices or 12 mass splices.
Design and Cassette Architecture for 96 Fibres in 1 RU
The key to high packing density lies in the multi-level cassette architecture. Four splice cassettes are stacked vertically and individually extendable, ensuring comfortable access to every single fibre despite the compact design.
| Cassette | Fibre Capacity | Coupler Range | Colour Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cassette 1 | 24 fibres (1–24) | Port 1–12 | Red |
| Cassette 2 | 24 fibres (25–48) | Port 13–24 | Green |
| Cassette 3 | 24 fibres (49–72) | Port 25–36 | Blue |
| Cassette 4 | 24 fibres (73–96) | Port 37–48 | Yellow |
Fibre routing within the cassettes follows controlled excess-length storage principles. Fibre excess lengths are stored in defined loops with a radius of at least 30 mm, ensuring compliance with attenuation values per IEC 61300-3-4.
Fiber Products Quality Commitment: As an official Diamond partner and European manufacturer, we produce modular splice systems in-house. Benefit from Swiss precision and 5 years warranty on our systems.
Comparison: SlimConnect 1HE vs Conventional Splice Modules
Compared to conventional 48-fibre modules, the SlimConnect 1HE high-density splice module offers significant space utilisation advantages. A typical data centre with 5,000 fibre connections requires approximately 105 rack units with conventional systems, while the same capacity fits in just 53 rack units with SlimConnect 1HE.
- Space savings: 50% less rack space required
- Cost reduction: Fewer cabinets and floor space needed
- Clarity: More compact cable routing possible
- Future-proofing: Reserve capacity for network expansion within the same rack
- Energy efficiency: Reduced cooling requirements from compact design
The increased packing density does require precise installation work. Fibres must be carefully sorted by colour code and numbering to prevent later mix-ups.
Coupler Variants and Connector Compatibility
The SlimConnect 1HE system is available with various coupler types to ensure maximum compatibility with existing network infrastructure. The standard configuration with LC duplex couplers achieves the maximum density of 96 fibres.
| Coupler Type | Max Fibres/1 RU | Application | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| LC Duplex | 96 fibres | Data centres, FTTH | IEC 61754-20 |
| SC Duplex | 48 fibres | Legacy networks | IEC 61754-4 |
| E2000/LSH | 48 fibres | Industrial, outdoor | IEC 61754-15 |
| MPO/MTP | 8 × 12 fibres | High-speed networks | IEC 61754-7 |
Particularly noteworthy is the availability of E2000 couplers, which provide optimal dust protection through an integrated protective shutter. As a Diamond partner, Fiber Products offers the complete E2000 system solution from a single source.
Installation and Assembly of the 96-Fibre System
Installation of the SlimConnect 1HE with 96 fibres follows several defined steps. The base module is first mounted in the 19-inch rack and secured with supplied cage nuts. Cable entry is available from top, bottom, or side via integrated cable grips.
- Step 1: Mount base frame in 19-inch rack
- Step 2: Feed installation cables through cable grips
- Step 3: Strip and prepare fibres according to colour code
- Step 4: Splice fibres to pre-terminated pigtails
- Step 5: Store splices in respective cassettes
- Step 6: Document and label all ports
Installation time for a fully populated 96-fibre module takes approximately 4–5 hours with experienced technicians, including all splicing work. This represents approximately 30% time savings compared to installing two separate 48-fibre modules.
Fibre Types and Bending Radii per Current Standards
The SlimConnect 1HE is optimised for modern bend-insensitive fibres to ITU-T G.657.A2. These fibres allow bending radii of just 7.5 mm at 1550 nm wavelength without significant additional attenuation.
The cassette geometry conservatively accommodates a minimum bending radius of 30 mm to ensure compliance with limit values per IEC 60793-2-50 even with older G.652.D fibre types. For singlemode fibres, typical insertion loss is < 0.25 dB per connection.
- G.652.D: Standard fibre, min. bending radius 30 mm
- G.657.A1: Bend-optimised, min. bending radius 10 mm
- G.657.A2/B2: Highly bend-optimised, min. bending radius 7.5 mm
- G.657.B3: Extremely bend-optimised, min. bending radius 5 mm
Applications for High-Density Splice Modules
Applications for the SlimConnect 1HE splice module with 96 fibres are diverse. Data centres use the high packing density to realise spine-leaf architectures, while municipal utilities deploy the modules in FTTH distribution points for residential area coverage.
In municipal networks, the compact design enables installation in confined equipment rooms or distribution cabinets. A single SlimConnect 1HE can serve 48 residential units with two fibres each – ideal for modern FTTH deployments using the dual-fibre concept.
Industrial facilities benefit from the high packing density when networking production equipment. E2000 connectors are often used here, as their protective shutter ensures reliable performance even in dust-laden environments. Learn more about our splice module solutions in our comprehensive product catalogue.
Quality Assurance and Testing per IEC Standards
Every SlimConnect 1HE module undergoes comprehensive quality testing per IEC 61300 before shipment. Attenuation measurement is performed at wavelengths 1310 nm and 1550 nm for singlemode systems, or 850 nm and 1300 nm for multimode variants.
| Test Parameter | Limit Value | Typical Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insertion loss LC | ≤ 0.50 dB | 0.20 dB | IEC 61300-3-4 |
| Return loss UPC | ≥ 50 dB | 55 dB | IEC 61300-3-6 |
| Return loss APC | ≥ 60 dB | 65 dB | IEC 61300-3-6 |
| Repeatability | ≤ 0.20 dB | 0.10 dB | IEC 61300-2-2 |
Fiber Products’ 5-year warranty on the complete SlimConnect system underscores confidence in product quality and provides planning certainty for long-term infrastructure projects.
Integration into Existing Network Infrastructure
Seamless integration of the SlimConnect 1HE into existing fibre-optic networks is ensured by compatibility with all standard cable types. The system accepts cables with diameters of 6 to 25 mm and provides sufficient space to securely mount up to 8 installation cables.
- Universal cables with up to 144 fibres
- Microcables for conduit installation (6–12 mm diameter)
- Indoor cables for building cabling
- Outdoor cables with rodent protection
- Pre-terminated trunk cables with MPO connectors
The modular design also allows phased population. Initially, only the currently required cassettes can be equipped with pigtails, with expansion to full 96-fibre capacity performed at a later date.
Maintenance and Documentation of High-Density Installation
Maintenance of a 96-fibre system in 1 RU requires precise documentation of all connections. The SlimConnect 1HE features an integrated labelling system with replaceable identification plates for each port.
For fault-finding, cassettes are individually extendable, allowing targeted access to specific fibre ranges without affecting other connections. OTDR measurements (optical time-domain reflectometry) can be performed directly at the front panel.
Regular coupler cleaning with specialist cleaning tools per IEC 61300-3-35 ensures consistently low attenuation values. Recommended maintenance intervals are 12 months for normal environmental conditions.
Future-Proofing through MPO/MTP Compatibility
Optional configuration with MPO/MTP couplers future-proofs the SlimConnect 1HE for transmission rates of 400G and 800G. A single MPO-12 connector carries 12 fibres, opening new possibilities for high-speed connections.
- 8 × MPO-12 = 96 fibres in most compact form
- Support for 40G/100G/400G Ethernet
- Reduced mating cycles for mass connections
- Polarity management per TIA-568
- Gender-change capability via adapters
Combining LC duplex for individual connections with MPO for trunk cabling in a single system offers maximum flexibility. Discover more about our 1 RU splice box solutions and their diverse configuration options.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SlimConnect 1HE System
Can the SlimConnect 1HE be upgraded from 48 to 96 fibres after installation?
Yes, the system allows phased expansion. Initially, only two of the four cassettes can be populated (48 fibres), with upgrade to 96 fibres achieved by installing the additional cassettes with pre-terminated pigtails.
What cable entry options are available for the 96-fibre system?
The SlimConnect 1HE offers flexible cable entry from top, bottom, or side. Up to 8 cables with a maximum diameter of 25 mm each can be fed through the integrated cable grips.
How is compliance with bending radii ensured in a 96-fibre system?
The cassettes feature integrated fibre guides with a defined minimum radius of 30 mm. Excess lengths are stored in controlled loops, automatically preventing critical bending radii.
Is the system compatible with bend-insensitive fibres to G.657?
Yes, the SlimConnect 1HE is optimally designed for modern G.657.A2/B2 fibres. These fibres allow tighter bending radii and contribute to space-saving fibre routing.
What warranty coverage does Fiber Products offer for the SlimConnect 1HE?
As the only manufacturer in the DACH region, Fiber Products provides 5 years warranty on the complete SlimConnect system, including all mechanical components and couplers.
Can different coupler types be combined in one module?
Yes, the modular design allows combination of different coupler types. For example, LC duplex and E2000 couplers can be housed in a single chassis.
Conclusion: Maximum Fibre Density for Modern Network Infrastructure
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