High-bandwidth applications such as video conferencing, multimedia and 3-D modeling tax the limits of computer networks. Optical fiber, commonly deployed in network backbones to ease bandwidth demands, has been considered too costly, fragile, and complex for the desktop.

By reducing labor and material costs, 3M's Volition(TM) cabling system makes fiber-to-the-desktop practical for many applications that need to exponentially improve data capacity of local area networks, ensure long network life, and save on the cost of re cabling every few years.

The plug consists of four parts: a fiber holder to secure fibers; a shroud and boot that protects fibers and secures the cable; and a hinged door that acts as a dust cover. Socket construction includes: a fiber holder that secures the fibers and simplifies termination; a main body with V-grooves to align fibers; hinged door for dust protection; and a housing base that completes the protective shell.

Jeff Conley, 3M Telecom Systems Div., 6801 Riverplace Blvd., Austin, TX 78726-9000; E-mail: [email protected].