New Nova Patch Panels and Cassettes deliver tool-less installation, higher port density, and clearer port documentation for modern data centers and broadband networks

Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLFD), a leader in fiber connectivity solutions for broadband, data center, and network infrastructure environments, today announced the launch of the NOVA Platform, a modular, high-density fiber ecosystem designed to make building and scaling modern networks more intuitive. The platform is engineered for a range of environments, from large hyperscale and co-location data centers to enterprise campuses and broadband central offices, where operators need space-efficient solutions that can evolve as quickly as their capacity demands.

Industry analysts are seeing the shift firsthand. Dell'Oro Group reports that demand for 100G-and-above optics is accelerating and will drive double-digit growth in data center fiber through the end of the decade. As operators adopt AI-driven designs, fiber counts per rack continue to climb, putting greater pressure on density, space, and day-to-day manageability. The NOVA Platform is built to address exactly those needs with a product line that scales cleanly in any environment.

The foundation of the platform is the NOVA Cassette, Clearfield's newest and highest-density cassette. It is designed for fast, straightforward installation, incorporates tool-less handling, and keeps all technician work at the front of the rack—practical details that reduce downtime and simplify everyday operations. Each cassette also includes an integrated designation card, paired with a second designation point on the panel, giving operators clearer, more consistent documentation than traditional high-density systems.

The cassette pairs with the new NOVA Patch Panels, available in 1U, 2U, and 4U sizes. A fully loaded 4U panel can support up to 384 LC fibers while still providing clean, direct front-of-rack access for moves, adds and changes. Cassettes can be installed from either the front or rear of the panel, giving operators flexibility during deployment while keeping ongoing technician work at the front of the rack.

"As data centers grow and network designs get more distributed and complex, operators need fiber systems that are simple to deploy and scale," said Anis Khemakhem, Chief Commercial Officer at Clearfield. "The NOVA Platform is built around that idea. The comprehensive platform delivers solutions from patch panels to cabinets and racks, with tool-less installation and consistent documentation. This empowers operators to streamline training, reduce inventory sprawl, and grow their networks without rethinking their entire approach."

Beyond its flagship cassette and patch panel, the NOVA Platform extends to wall-mount panels, trunk and jumper assemblies, and a new suite of rack and cabinet solutions that support everything from the core data center environment to distributed edge environments. Each component follows Clearfield's guiding principles of high density, clean cable management, and the ability to scale without disrupting the active infrastructure.

The platform's seamless integration is especially valuable as operators are under pressure to keep pace with 100G and 400G growth, rising data workloads, and the increasing number of distributed and edge facilities. The NOVA Platform's modular design lets teams expand capacity incrementally—whether adding a small cluster in an enterprise closet or supporting an entire row in a hyperscale white space—without changing tools, retraining staff, or integrating components from multiple vendors. The installation consistency directly reduces operational friction, translating into faster deployments and lower long-term costs. Built-in features such as integrated splice trays minimize clutter and eliminate the need for additional hardware during field terminations, helping teams maintain reliability and speed throughout installation and turn-up.

Clearfield will showcase the NOVA Platform at BICSI Winter 2026 (booth #1208), where attendees can see the NOVA Patch Panels and Cassettes in action and explore the full ecosystem through live demos.

To learn more about Clearfield's NOVA Platform for high density fiber networks, see the video and platform brochure. For more information about Clearfield's complete fiber connectivity portfolio, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

About Clearfield, Inc.

Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLFD) designs, manufactures, and distributes fiber optic management, protection, and delivery solutions that play a critical role in enabling broadband operators to close the digital divide. Our labor lite, craft-friendly platform is leveraged by community broadband, MSOs, incumbent service providers, ISPs, data centers, military, municipalities, and coops - from homes passed to homes connected faster and more efficiently. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Clearfield deploys more than a million fiber ports each year. For more information, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

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Media Contact:

Christy Barbaran

Connect2 Communications for Clearfield, Inc.

Clearfield@connect2comm.com

Clearfield Introduces NOVA™ Platform, Optimizing Scalability and Installation Simplicity for High-Density Fiber Connectivity