dynamic landscape of modern connectivity, specifically in rural areas, where high-speed internet, television, and telephone services have become essential, the backbone of these services lies in the innovation of aerial fibre optic cable technology.
With an array of options available, understanding the advancements in this technology is pivotal for successful and cost-effective installations.
Let’s take a look at the top innovations in aerial fibre optic cable technology, decoding the intricacies and benefits of various solutions.
Navigating Aerial Fibre Cable Options
Regarding aerial cables installation solutions, two primary approaches stand out: fibre-in-duct and self-supporting cables. While the self-supporting cable seems more straightforward due to its one-stage deployment, its true efficiency goes beyond this apparent simplicity.
Let’s delve deeper and break down these options into further categories, assessing their cost, installation time, and applicability within different network areas.
1. Fiber In-Duct
- Blown Fibre: This approach involves deploying microducts before blowing fibre. Despite the initial perception of reduced labour costs, the complexity of the blowing process and the need for splicing by optical engineers counteract this advantage. However, this method is well-suited for long, hard-to-access fibre routes, offering future-proofing for upgrades and maintenance.
- Pushable Fibre: This entails a two-stage process with microducts latched to utility poles and pushing/pulling the fibre. It is ideal for last drops or short metropolitan networks with low fibre counts. Pre-termination is possible in FTTH installations, minimising the need for extensive splicing.
2. Pre-Fibred Self-Supporting Cable
- Loose Tube: Offering faster deployment and suitability for long deployments, loose tube cables, part of aerial optical fibre cables, are ideal for backbone networks or metropolitan trunk lines. While installation is quicker, accessing and splicing individual element tubes can be time-consuming.
- Tight Buffered: Similar to loose tube cables, tight-buffered cables are suited for higher fibre counts but not for long hauls due to potential stress on the glass. They are a cost-effective option for metropolitan or FTTH drop cables.
Advancements and Considerations
- ADSS Cable: An All-Dielectric Self-Supporting Cable offers extended reach, making it suitable for accompanying power transmission lines. Its core design prevents attenuation due to cable deformation.
- Figure 8 Cable: These cables, named for their appearance when cut, withstand high-tension forces and are valuable for long deployments, reaching over 5 miles in length.
- OPGW Cable: Optical Ground Wire cables, fully metallic in nature, serve dual purposes of data transmission and lightning protection on power lines.
Benefits of Aerial Fibre Optic Cables
- Easy Installation: Aerial cables are lightweight and flexible, making them easy to install, often utilising existing poles or structures.
- Rapid Deployment: Covering long distances in a short time, aerial cables are advantageous for swift installations.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Proper planning and installation can lead to cost savings, especially in scenarios where pre-terminated options are used.
Shaping Seamless Connectivity
In an era where connectivity shapes the way we live and work, aerial fibre optic cables stand as the unsung heroes, transmitting data across vast distances. The innovations in aerial fibre technology bring forth solutions tailored to various deployment scenarios. Each option, when it comes to fibre optics, presents unique advantages and considerations.
To succeed in deploying aerial fibre optic cables, a comprehensive understanding of these options’ strengths and limitations is vital. By embracing these innovations and aligning them with your network’s requirements, you can craft seamless connectivity with aerial cables that empowers businesses and communities alike.
One of the best manufacturers of aerial cables is STL, which pioneers innovation in this sector. They have been doing some really good work, and telcos and cloud companies should definitely check out their solutions.
