Swiss network infrastructure developer R&M has unveiled a major double expansion of its connectivity portfolio, introducing the fourth generation of its signature local area network cabling system alongside a new pre-terminated outdoor fibre-optic distribution box.
The company has launched an overhauled passive cabling system engineered to simplify network planning, logistics, and installation across commercial and industrial environments. Concurrently, R&M has broadened its outdoor fibre-optic product line with the Lunar distribution box, designed to streamline Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) and mobile cell site rollouts through factory pre-termination.
The newly released R&Mfreenet 4.0 architecture focuses on reducing operational complexity and assembly errors in structured cabling deployments. At the core of the system is a redesigned and harmonised line of RJ45 connection modules, known as the EL4.0 generation, which trims available variants down to two per category.
To eliminate loose parts, components such as tension relief, colour coding, and protective flaps are now built directly into the module. R&M has also compressed the system’s assembly process into a single-step mechanism called “Easy Lock”.
The R&Mfreenet cabling portfolio covers the entire network, from fibre backbone to workplace connectivity.
“R&Mfreenet 4.0 is more than a portfolio for structured cabling with connectivity, cables, distributors and outlets,” said Matthias Gerber, Market Manager LAN Cabling at R&M. “It sets new standards because it considerably simplifies and perfects the planning, installation and operation of data networks.”
The freenet 4.0 system supports high-speed data transmission up to 40 Gigabits per second using Cat. 8.1 ISO products, alongside fibre optic solutions for backbones, digital ceilings, and Fiber-to-the-Office setups. For remote device powering, the line supports high-performance Power over Ethernet and carries R&M’s PowerSafe verification label.
On the hardware side, the R&Mfreenet 4.0 system includes installation and patch cords that meet the highest quality requirements. R&M claims to be the only manufacturer to connect the copper wires of the patch cords with corrosion-resistant, strain and vibration proofed IDC technology. The plug contacts are coated with a layer of gold of a specified thickness to ensure loss-free signal transmission under all conditions. The installation cables must pass the R&M endurance test before they are approved for use. The company maintains its own supply chain and ensures that the installation cables are available worldwide at all times.
Lunar fibre-optic distribution box.
R&M offers the modular rack family Freenet as housing for distributors and equipment. These can be configured to suit the customers’ project.
R&M backs qualified installations with a lifetime application warranty, provided the network is deployed and tested by certified specialists.
Plug-and-play outdoor fibre-rollouts
Addressing labour shortages and tight timelines in telecommunications construction, R&M has introduced the small-format Lunar fibre-optic distribution box. Built around the company’s HEC-QR quick-release connectivity, the box provides a plug-and-play alternative for harsh outdoor environments, including overhead power lines and antenna towers.
R&M supplies the Lunar units fully pre-terminated and factory-tested.
R&M supplies the Lunar units fully pre-terminated and factory-tested according to specific project plans, allowing network operators to bypass field fibre splicing entirely. Field crews can mount the sealed boxes to masts, building facades, or suspension cables using standard tools. R&M recommends the combination of the Lunar box and HEC-QR connectivity for projects with a fast rollout schedule and limited resources.
The distribution box comes in three size variants up to 20 cm in width, accommodating up to 12 ports. It supports point-to-point and point-to-multipoint topologies with splitter and fan-out cabling as well as LC, SC, and MPO interfaces.
The products meet the criteria of protection class IP68 and IEC as well as Telcordia GR-771 approval. The HEC-QR quick-release connector from R&M is designed for the connection of fibre-optic cables in particularly harsh environments, such as those used in overhead line and antenna construction.
Target applications include rural FTTH aerial builds, Fiber-to-the-Antenna mobile cell sites, industrial facilities, and railway digitalisation projects.