The Internet of Things (IoT) isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the invisible infrastructure powering the world around us. From smart grids and connected hospital beds to precision agriculture and AI-enabled factories, nearly every industry now relies on networks that extend far beyond traditional data centers. This explosion of connected devices demands innovative solutions to keep pace with relentless data growth, solutions Clearfield is uniquely positioned to deliver.
Every second, this technology evolves. So, organizations must develop a baseline strategy if they want to take advantage of IoT’s potential efficiency, flexibility, and cost savings. Early adoption is critical to ensure the changing market dynamics don’t leave them behind.
As IoT technologies proliferate, so does the demand for processing power at the network edge. The closer your network equipment can get to the devices that generate and consume data that provide workers and automated equipment alike with time-sensitive information, the better. The challenge, then, is delivering high-speed connectivity and low-latency compute in remote, rugged, and often space-constrained environments.
That’s where Clearfield steps in.
As electronics manufacturers shrink device footprints and boost performance to meet computing needs, Clearfield has reimagined the physical layer to match. Our FieldSmart® FiberFlex active cabinet line has evolved into a modular platform that not only manages fiber but also supports high-density electronics, environmental control, and integrated power systems.
With models such as the FiberFlex 1700, 3000, providers can deploy up to:
- 864 fiber distribution ports
- 27 WaveSmart® Ruggedized Splitter Modules
- 25 Rack Units for active electronics
With the FiberFlex Convergent series, a modular and scalable solution, providers can deploy up to:
- 2304 fiber distribution ports
- 72 WaveSmart Ruggedized Splitter Modules
- 27 Rack Units for active electronics
All this functionality resides within a sealed enclosure that’s GR-487-compliant and designed to NEMA 4X on a single pad.
Smaller install footprint, increased craft separation
Industry-leading service providers have begun to standardize on Clearfield’s FiberFlex cabinets to protect and enable their robust networks to support IoT applications many miles from the nearest server room. Why? There are two main ways that Clearfield offers a competitive edge: significantly streamlined installation and optimal craft separation.
With FiberFlex, service providers can effectively support the bandwidth and speed required by IoT applications without needing to build a HUT or structure. Any permanent structure, regardless of size, requires a huge upfront investment with substantial space and time commitment to deploy. That doesn’t include the ongoing cost to run and maintain these facilities.
The choice is easy: If the density of the electronics and advancement in fiber management allow for it, why not just install network electronics and fiber together in an environmentally controlled FiberFlex cabinet?
For larger capacity requirements, the FiberFlex Convergent series delivers a modular solution to support edge deployments for IoT networks. This expandable, multiple cabinet bay option gives service providers the advantage of craft separation. That is, the powered equipment and fiber remain housed in separate yet interconnected enclosures, allowing for independent servicing of each component. Providers also value the fact that the enclosures are tested to and certified for Telcordia GR-487 specifications and are designed to meet NEMA 4X, which protects the investment they make in their network electronics and fiber connectivity.
The installation of FiberFlex cabinets normally takes just a few days. Compare that to a few weeks to build a HUT or structure. Cabinets also take up significantly less space and can support the same rack-mounted electronics and telecom equipment traditionally housed in HUTs or Data Centers. It’s the obvious choice to support growing broadband needs out towards the edge of the traditional wireline or wireless network.
How FiberFlex active cabinets gave one provider an edge
What does this approach to network edge implementations look like in practice? Let’s look at just one regional electric utility in the Midwest. It recently faced a modernization challenge: how to upgrade its substation network to support IoT-based load monitoring and grid automation. The time, expense and labor required to construct dozens of new huts made that route cost prohibitive.
Their solution? Clearfield’s FiberFlex 3000 Convergent configuration.
By leveraging the cabinet’s integrated RUs, the utility deployed:
- Edge compute nodes for SCADA telemetry
- Ruggedized splitters for fiber distribution
- Sensor modules for temperature and door intrusion monitoring
This resulted in a full substation digitization at less than half the cost of building new HUTs, with installation time reduced from weeks to days. The rugged cabinets withstood the harsh climate and protected the critical equipment, enabling real-time control across the utility’s smart grid infrastructure.
Whether supporting consumer broadband deployments, 5G small cells, or smart city rollouts, providers of all network types trust Clearfield as a premier supplier for active cabinets. Our technologies empower the support of networking electronics and superior fiber management for the stability and success of the network backbone.
Best of all, this is accomplished without the footprint of a shelter or the cost of a data center. Fiber broadband pros can now help more people and industries plug into the powerful benefits of IoT.
Secure your competitive edge in IoT network deployments. Explore the FiberFlex active cabinet series here.
With a strong background in powered enclosures, Clayton Bodine thrives on discovering new product opportunities for outdoor deployments across wireline broadband, wireless networks, edge computing, and industrial IoT ecosystems. As Product Marketing Manager for OSP Products, he brings a well-rounded perspective to each project with a sincere interest in understanding field technicians' day-to-day challenges across multiple sectors. Clayton's focus is primarily on defining market and functional requirements for value-added solutions, constantly innovating both through practical new products and thoughtful enhancements to existing offerings.