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Prysmian Group – 2015 Sustainability Report
Sustainable Innovation
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communities around the world, is the result of technology, innovation and experience, as well as an in-depth knowledge
of the country. Now, following the challenge set by the Italian government to provide broadband services to all citizens by
2020, Prysmian has decided to be even more pro-active in this sector. In particular, the Group has completed the
investment of almost 30 million euro at the centre of excellence in Battipaglia (Salerno), which is now one of the most
advanced and competitive in the world.
Accessories and connectivity
With regard to connectivity, Prysmian has continued to develop new accessories for the use of FTTH (Fiber
To The Home) applications. Development of the LMJ (Large Multi-Function Joint) has been key, since this
allows the connection of up to 2,688 fibres and uses trays each of 24 elements. Accordingly, it is possible to
have a cable with a large number of fibres and a high density joint.
In addition, a new, extremely robust connector for external use is now available, with appropriate joints and
accessories: the trend to use pre-connected cables is, in fact, continuing to gather pace.
Lastly, due to the ability to extract their optical elements, solutions such as Verticasa and RetractaNet are
playing an important role in the expansion of networks, by reducing both installation times and the number of
soldered joints and connectors. The RetractaNet solution has also been further developed for aircraft
applications and supplemented by various cabling and connectivity solutions.
Multimedia solutions and cables for Data Centres
For wiring with copper cables, the Category 6A U/UTP solution using a discontinuous metallic ribbon has
been improved even further: in fact, in addition to the fully shielded cables, this technology represents the
next best solution for reducing the diaphony between cables. In particular, the Power over Ethernet (PoE)
technology and the performance requirements have been studied in detail, using theoretical and
experimental modelling. PoE uses Category cables to supply both electricity and the flow of data to
connected devices, such as wireless access points, IP telephones and video cameras.
An optimised family of cables for long distance PoE has been developed, based on the Prysmian Cat.7A
platform. Turning to the home wiring sector, a solution based on the new, reduced diameter Cat.7A cables
has been developed that provides a 60 metre transmission channel at 10 Gb/s.
As an alternative to internal wiring with loose tube or central tube cables, a complete range of optical cables
based on Flextube micro-modules is also available. This family allows easy access to the modules and
simplifies handling in junction boxes and connection cabinets.
Established wiring solutions using copper and optical fibre cables have also been developed further for Data
Centre applications.
Industrial innovations
Prysmian is strengthening exploratory studies into materials, in view of the strategic role they play in the
technologies employed by cables and accessories. The main results achieved during 2015 include:
Completion of a preliminary study that will result in Prysmian formulating a mix with variable resistance,
so that extremely compact joints can be manufactured for HVDC cables.
Completion of a feasibility study of a proprietary formula for primary and secondary sheathing of optical
fibres.