In a dynamic broadband landscape where speed, reliability, and scalability are critical, two industry leaders—AFL and Amphenol Broadband Solutions (ABS)—have partnered to bring network operators a streamlined, factory-integrated solution that significantly reduces deployment time and field labor.
The new offering combines AFL’s Apex® X-2 Splice Closure with Amphenol’s OptiFi™ AOM (add/drop optical multiplexer) module into a single, pre-configured unit. This integration is more than a packaging exercise; it represents a practical, field-ready advancement designed to help broadband service providers accelerate the delivery of fiber networks without compromising quality or performance.
A smarter approach to fiber deployment
Traditionally, deploying these two products involved coordinating multiple teams and performing a series of detailed, labor-intensive tasks in the field. The Apex X-2 splice closure would be installed first, followed by a separate installation of the OptiFi AOM. Then, technicians would need to manually route fiber between the multiplexer and the closure’s splice trays—introducing complexity, increasing the risk of fiber misrouting, and consuming valuable time.
With this new co-engineered solution, all connections between the AOM and the splice trays are factory-installed and tested prior to delivery. The unit arrives fully assembled, with fibers pre-terminated and organized according to best practices. Technicians in the field simply mount the closure and complete splicing at the external network connection points.
The result? A cleaner, faster, and more consistent installation process—especially critical when deploying at scale under tight project timelines.
Designed for scalability and performance
The Apex X-2 from AFL is a trusted solution in the field, known for its flexibility, weatherproof sealing, and tool-less entry. It accommodates a wide range of splice tray configurations and is built to withstand harsh outdoor environments. Meanwhile, Amphenol’s AOM module brings carrier-grade optical performance for DWDM applications, supporting both centralized and distributed access network architectures.
Together, these technologies form a fully integrated passive solution that supports future-ready applications including fiber deep, node splits, and DOCSIS® 4.0 rollouts.
Addressing market needs
This collaborative innovation comes at a time when broadband providers face mounting pressure to deliver high-speed Internet to more homes, more quickly. Federal and state initiatives such as BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) and RDOF (Rural Digital Opportunity Fund) have created unprecedented momentum—and equally unprecedented deployment expectations.
By eliminating the need for on-site integration of splice closures and multiplexers, the Apex X-2 + AOM solution enables faster time-to-service and reduces dependency on highly skilled fiber technicians, who are increasingly in short supply.
The power of partnership
“Our customers told us they needed a faster way to deploy fiber and reduce labor costs without sacrificing reliability,” said a spokesperson from Amphenol Broadband Solutions. “By working closely with AFL, we’ve created a solution that’s more than the sum of its parts—it’s a smarter way to build networks.”
The AFL and ABS partnership demonstrates the value of cross-manufacturer collaboration to address real-world challenges. It reflects both companies’ commitment to driving innovation that meets the evolving needs of service providers and the communities they serve.
As network operators look to expand and future-proof their infrastructure, solutions like this represent a key enabler for efficient, scalable growth.
Jim Kane, VP, Sales & Marketing, Amphenol Broadband Solutions
Nick Achberger, National Sales Manager, MSO, AFL
Check out the article in Broadband Library
Check out the AOM Solutions HERE
