Fiber optic drop cables are an important part of modern telecommunications and networking systems. They play a vital role in delivering high-speed Internet, phone service, and cable television to homes and businesses. In this blog, we’ll explore what are the main types of fiber optic drop cable and how to choose the right fiber optic drop cable.
In order to better understand this article, we first need to understand the concept of fiber optic drop cable.
Optical fiber drop cable is specialized cables used in telecommunications and networking. It is the final link in the fiber optic network and is typically laid aerially or buried. Drop cables are designed to be durable and flexible enough to handle outdoor installation and use rigors. They are also typically smaller and lighter than fiber optic cables, making them easier to install and maintain.
What Are the Main Types of Fiber Optic Drop Cable?
1. Indoor FRP Drop Cable GJXFH
Indoor FRP Drop Cable GJXFH is a non-metallic, flame retardant, indoor fiber optic cable designed for use in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) applications. It is a non-self-supporting cable, meaning it must be supported by other means, such as cable ties or conduits.
The cable has a butterfly flat construction, meaning the optical fibers are arranged in a flat ribbon in the cable’s center. This construction makes the cable easy to strip and terminate. The cable’s strength member is made of Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP), a lightweight and durable material. The FRP strength member provides the cable with the tensile strength and crush resistance it needs to withstand the stresses of installation and use.
The cable’s outer jacket is made of Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) material. LSZH material is flame retardant and produces low levels of smoke and toxic fumes in the event of a fire.
FEATURES
Non-metallic and flame retardant
Easy to strip and terminate
Lightweight and durable
Low smoke zero halogen jacket
Available with a variety of fiber counts and types
2. Indoor Steel Drop Cable GJXH
Indoor Steel Drop Cable GJXH is a type of optical fiber cable specifically designed for use inside buildings. It is a self-supporting cable that can be easily installed and routed through tight spaces. GJXH cable is constructed with a central tight buffer fiber and two parallel steel wires for strength. The cable is then jacketed with a low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) material.
FEATURES
Strong and durable: GJXH cable is constructed with steel wires for strength and support. This makes it ideal for use in harsh environments or applications where the cable will be suspended.
Easy to install: GJXH cable is a self-supporting cable that can be easily installed and routed through tight spaces without additional support wires.
Fire-retardant: GJXH cable is jacketed with a low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) material, making it ideal for indoor use where safety concerns.
3. Outdoor Steel Drop Cable GJYXCH
Outdoor Steel Drop Cable GJYXCH is a self-supporting drop cable designed for outdoor use in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) applications. It has a central loose tube containing the optical fibers, surrounded by two parallel steel wires as strength members. The cable is then jacketed in a low-smoke, non-halogen flame retardant (LSZH) material.
GJYXCH drop cable is typically used to connect the main fiber optic distribution cable to the customer’s premises. It can be installed in various ways, including aerial, buried, and directly attached to buildings.
GJYXCH drop cable has various fiber counts, ranging from 1 to 12 cores. The most common fiber type used in GJYXCH drop cable is G657A1, a bend-insensitive fiber well-suited for outdoor applications.
FEATURES
Self-supporting design for aerial installation
Two parallel steel wires for strength and durability
Low smoke, non-halogen flame retardant jacket
Available with a variety of fiber counts and fiber types
Suitable for a variety of outdoor installation environments
4. Outdoor Flat Drop Cable
Outdoor flat drop cable is characterized by its flat, ribbon-like construction, which makes it easy to install and maintain. It is also typically self-supporting, meaning it can be strung between poles or buildings without additional support.
FEATURES
Easy installation and maintenance: The flat design of the cable makes it easy to strip and splice, and it can be installed using a variety of methods, including aerial, direct burial, and duct installations.
Self-supporting: Outdoor flat drop cable is typically self-supporting without additional support.
Durable: The outer jacket is made of a durable material, such as LSZH thermoplastic, which protects the cable from the elements.
Lightweight: Outdoor flat drop cable is lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for installation in difficult-to-reach areas.
5. Figure-8 Aerial Drop Cable
Figure-8 aerial drop cable is a type of fiber optic cable that is designed to be suspended in the air from poles or other structures. It is also known as self-supporting fiber optic cable or drop wire. Figure-8 cable is named for its distinctive shape, which resembles the number 8. The cable consists of a central core of optical fibers surrounded by a protective jacket. The jacket is typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is strong and durable enough to withstand outdoor exposure.
FEATURES
Self-supporting Design. The cable’s jacket is reinforced with aramid yarns, giving it the strength to support its weight without additional support cables. This makes the figure-8 cable ideal for use in areas where it is difficult or expensive to install traditional fiber optic cables.
Ease of Installation. The cable can be easily installed using various methods, including lashing, clipping, and messenger wires.
Lightweight and flexible, making it easy to handle and maneuver.
6. Armored Duct/Aerial Drop Cable GYXTW
Armored Duct/Aerial Drop Cable GYXTW is an outdoor optical fiber cable suitable for both duct and aerial applications. It is a unitube cable, meaning the optical fibers are contained in a single loose tube. The loose tube is filled with a water-resistant filling compound, and a layer of PSP armor surrounds the cable core. PSP armor is a type of longitudinal armor made of corrugated steel tape. It provides good crush resistance and impact resistance, and it also helps to protect the cable from moisture.
Over the PSP armor, there is a layer of polyethylene (PE) sheath. The PE sheath protects the cable from the elements, including ultraviolet radiation.
It can be used for a variety of applications, including telecommunications, broadband, and security systems.
7. ASU Optical Drop Cable
ASU optical drop cable, also known as GYFFY cable, is a self-supporting aerial fiber optic cable widely used in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks. It is a fully dielectric cable, meaning it does not contain metal components. This makes it ideal for use in areas with a risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI).
The cable consists of a central strength member made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) surrounded by a layer of loose tubes. The loose tubes contain the optical fibers, typically single-mode G652D fibers. The cable is protected by an outer high-density polyethylene (HDPE) jacket.
How to Choose the Right Fiber Optic Drop Cable?
Choosing the appropriate optical fiber drop cable depends on several factors, including your specific application, environmental conditions, and performance requirements. Here’s a guide to help you make the right choice among the mentioned cable types:
Application:
Indoor Use (GJXFH and GJXH): If you’re installing the cable indoors within a building, choose between Indoor FRP Drop Cable (GJXFH) or Indoor Steel Drop Cable (GJXH) based on your preference for flexibility and tensile strength. FRP cables are more flexible, while steel cables offer higher strength.
Outdoor Use (GJYXCH, Outdoor Flat Drop, Figure-8 Aerial, GYXTW): For outdoor applications, consider the type of installation. If it’s aerial between poles, opt for Figure-8 Aerial Drop Cable. For duct or aerial installations, choose Outdoor Steel Drop Cable (GJYXCH), Outdoor Flat Drop Cable, or Armored Duct/Aerial Drop Cable (GYXTW) based on your specific needs.
ASU (Access Service Unit) Applications: If you’re dealing with ASU installations in telecommunications access networks, ASU Optical Drop Cable is specifically designed for this purpose.
Environmental Conditions:
Indoor: FRP and steel drop cables are suitable for indoor environments. Consider FRP for more flexibility and easier routing.
Outdoor: Outdoor Steel Drop Cable, Outdoor Flat Drop Cable, Figure-8 Aerial Drop Cable, and Armored Duct/Aerial Drop Cable are designed for outdoor conditions, with varying levels of weather resistance. Choose one based on your specific outdoor installation requirements.
Tensile Strength:
If you require higher tensile strength, especially for outdoor installations where the cable might be subjected to mechanical stress, consider options like Steel Drop Cable (GJXH) or Armored Duct/Aerial Drop Cable (GYXTW).
Flexibility:
FRP Drop Cable (GJXFH) is a good choice for flexibility and ease of installation within indoor spaces.
Cost Considerations:
Different cable types come with varying costs. Consider your budget and the specific features you need for your application.
Resistance to Environmental Factors:
If your cable will be exposed to harsh weather conditions or UV radiation, choose cables designed for outdoor use, such as Outdoor Steel Drop Cable or Figure-8 Aerial Drop Cable.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI):
Consider the susceptibility of the cable to electromagnetic interference. Indoor FRP Drop Cable is immune to EMI, while steel cables may be susceptible.
Installation Ease:
Some cables are easier to install than others. FRP Drop Cable is typically easier to route indoors, while outdoor cables may require more careful handling during installation.
In summary, choosing an appropriate optical fiber drop cable should be based on your specific installation requirements, including application, environmental conditions, performance needs, and budget constraints. Careful consideration of these factors will help you select the right cable type for your project.
Conclusion
In summary, optical fiber drop cables are integral to the modern world’s communication infrastructure. Their high-speed, reliable data transmission capacity, versatility, and security features make them a cornerstone of telecommunications, internet services, entertainment, and various industries. As the demand for data continues to grow, optical fiber drop cables will remain a vital component in supporting our interconnected world. It is crucial to understand their main types and how to install them.
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