1. GR-20 Ribbon Separation 5.2.2 PFOC Lab Meeting 10/18/2005 Presentation Modified on Feb 14, 2006 Contributed by: Scott Torrey Product Line Manager – Ribbon Cable Corning Cable Systems

2. Cable OperationsCorning RestrictedCable OperationsCorning Restricted 2 Outline FTTH and ribbon separation Current test procedure Suggested changes

3. Cable OperationsCorning RestrictedCable OperationsCorning Restricted 3 FTTH and ribbon separation Verizon uses ribbon cables in both the feeder and distribution segments of the network Ribbons are now more frequently accessed to drop single fibers at network access points (NAPs)

4. Cable OperationsCorning RestrictedCable OperationsCorning Restricted 4 Ribbon Separation Test (GR-20 5.2.2) Section 5.2.2. contains 4 variations of the test –Edge fiber pulled out of ribbon at end –6-fiber ribbon pulled out of ribbon at end –Edge fiber pulled out of ribbon in mid-span –6-fiber ribbon pulled out of ribbon at mid-span Pass/Fail –Force required to perform separation < 4.4 N (1 lbf) –Ribbon matrix easily removable to access individual fibers without damaging coating –Fiber coloring retained on fiber so any 2.5 cm length (1 inch) section identifiable –No coating damage (5x magnification) –Any fiber or sub-ribbon separable by tool or hand > 1 meter

5. Cable OperationsCorning RestrictedCable OperationsCorning Restricted 5 Ribbon Separation Test (GR-20 5.2.2) Edge fiber separation – end sample

6. Cable OperationsCorning RestrictedCable OperationsCorning Restricted 6 Ribbon Separation Test (GR-20 5.2.2) 6-fiber ribbon separation – mid-span

7. Cable OperationsCorning RestrictedCable OperationsCorning Restricted 7 Differences exist between test method and field procedure More than one individual fiber often separated from ribbon Fibers typically pulled out of edge of ribbon vs. 90-degree angle to long-axis of ribbon Test requires sample size of two ribbons

8. Cable OperationsCorning RestrictedCable OperationsCorning Restricted 8 Changes and Additions: 1. All fibers are to be separated from the ribbon, one at a time, using current test set up and equipment. 2. All fibers to be separated, one at a time, through the edge of the ribbon to reflect typical field practices. 3. If the cable under evaluation contains six ribbons or less then perform items 1 & 2 on all ribbons. If more than six ribbons then perform items 1 & 2 on six ribbons. 4. Pull six ribbon samples (less if less than a six ribbon cable) from six different lots, i.e. each sample from a different machine line up, or a different shift, etc. Document pedigree and rationale of each sample. Perform section 5.2.2 with the changes identified in items 1-4.