Specifications of Armored Outdoor Optical Cables

Outdoor armored fiber optic cables are designed for harsh environments, featuring steel or metallic strength members, corrugated steel tape armor, water-blocking features, and high-performance optical fibers for reliable long-distance transmission.

Construction and Materials

Outdoor armored cables typically include a central metallic strength member, often a steel wire or dual steel rods, surrounded by a polyethylene (PE) or FRP buffer layer for tensile strength and stability. The optical fibers are housed in gel-filled or dry loose PBT tubes, which protect fibers from moisture and mechanical stress. The cable is further reinforced with corrugated steel tape armor and an HDPE or LSZH outer sheath, providing resistance to UV radiation, rodents, and mechanical deformation.

Some designs include water-blocking tapes or glass yarns to prevent water ingress.

Fiber Types and Counts

These cables support a range of fiber types, including Singlemode OS2 and Multimode OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, with fiber counts typically ranging from 2 to 432 fibers, depending on the application. Ribbon cables may be used for higher fiber density, allowing mass fusion splicing for faster installation.

Mechanical and Environmental Performance

Outdoor armored cables are engineered for aerial, duct, or direct burial installations. They offer tensile strength up to 1200 N, self-supporting capabilities for long spans, and minimal signal loss, often less than 0. 36 dB/km.

The armor and sheath protect against harsh weather, temperature fluctuations, and physical impacts, ensuring stable signal transmission in complex environments.

Standards and Applications

These cables comply with TIA/EIA 568-C, ISO/IEC 11801, and IEEE 802. 3 standards, supporting 100BASE-FX, Gigabit Ethernet, 10/40/100Gbps Ethernet, and ATM networks. They are suitable for FTTH, campus networks, aerial links, and underground duct installations, providing reliable high-speed data transmission over long distances.

Summary

Outdoor armored finished optical cables combine robust mechanical protection, water resistance, and high-performance optical fibers to ensure durability and reliable signal transmission in demanding environments. Key features include steel or metallic strength members, corrugated steel tape armor, gel-filled or dry loose tubes, HDPE or LSZH outer jackets, and compliance with international optical fiber standards.