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Advanced Anti-Rodent Fiber Optic Cable Protection: Ensuring Long-Term Network Reliability

Author: Isaac     Publish Time: 26-03-2025      Origin: Site

 

 Introduction

Fiber optic cables are the principal contributors to today's communication networks, making it possible to send signals with high speed even over great distances. However, the problem of rats and squirrels chomping on the insulation and causing some major inconveniences never goes away. 

That results in costly repairs. To guarantee a prolonged performance for the network, cutting-edge approaches for anti-rodent fiber optic cable protection have to be put in place.

 


 Rodent Assault on Fiber Optic Cables: Reasons Behind It 

Rodents attack fiber optic cables for several reasons: 

  • Teeth Maintenance: The incisors of these animals grow continuously. As a result, they must chew on hard objects to keep their teeth well-managed. 

  • Shelter and Nesting: Rodents also often pull cables apart to hide their nests. 

  • Curiosity and Food Misinterpretation: The cables can catch rodents' attention by the smell or texture of the sheathing material as they may consider it as food. 

Thus, above-mentioned are some of the reasons that make fiber optic cables (especially in outdoor fiber optic cable, underground fiber optic cable, and industrial situations) very susceptible to rodent attacks.


Rodent_Assault_on_Fiber_Optic_Cables


 

 Key Solutions for Rodent Protection 

To substitute rodent-associated problems, multiple strategies have been developed: 


Rodent-Resistant Sheathing

Using specially designed cable sheathing is one of the best means to stop the damage rodents might cause. 

  • Nylon (Polyamide) Coating: A peculiar kind of cover that is known for its feature of high strength, which makes it impossible for rodents to bite through. 

  • Polyethylene (PE) with Chemical Additives: A part of some cables are equipped with repellent features, which not only keep the rodents away from the cables but also make them stop and think before they chew on the cables. 

  • Dual-Layer Sheathing: When the sheath of a cable consists of different materials like PE and PVC, it can hinder the process of rodent penetration to the sheath.

 

Armored Fiber Optic Cables 

Using armored fiber cables is a highly effective way to protect against rodent threats. Several common types include: 

  • Steel Tape Armored (STA) Cables: A shield is provided by the very first one, which is the layer of stainless steel tape fiber cable wrapped around the fiber bundle and outer sheath. 

  • Steel Wire Armored (SWA) Cables: Some manufacturers then take it a step further by adding steel wires to the cables, making it more difficult for rodents to chew through them. 

  • FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) Strength Members: The use of FRP fiber optic cable as non-metallic armor works very well as not only does it provide outstanding protection but it is also flexible as well as lightweight. 

  • Glass Yarn Optical Cable: Some cables use glass yarn optical cable reinforcement to add mechanical strength and provide an additional layer of rodent resistance.



Armored Fiber Optic Cables



Chemical Repellents 

Some fiber optic cables are coated with special chemical compounds that can repel rodents. These compounds are either embedded with the outer sheath-like material or sprayed as layers. Common deterrents include: 

  • Capsaicin (Chili Pepper Extracts): Provides a sharp pain when rodents come in contact with it, discouraging them from chewing. 

  • Bittering Agents: Some compounds with an extremely bitter taste push rodents away from the cable. 


Strategic Installation Techniques 

Proper installation methods also help combat rodent damage: 

  • Buried Depth Optimization: Installing cables deeper underground minimizes rodent contact. 

  • Conduit Protection: Making use of PVC or metal conduits for fiber optic cables is a way of boosting protection. 

  • Suspended Aerial Installation: In some places, the cables are lifted above the ground and made to hang suspended to keep them away from rodents.

 


 Zion Communication's Rodent-Resistant Optical Cable Solutions 

Zion Communication has a variety of fiber optic cables that are designed to withstand rodent attacks. These include:


Steel Tape Armored (STA) Cables

  • GYXTY53 – Anti-Rodent Anti-Birds Steel Tape Uni-tube Double Sheath Fiber Optic Cable

  • GYXTS – Anti-Rodent Anti-Birds Steel Tape Uni-tube Fiber Optic Cable

  • GYFTA53 – Anti-Rodent APL Tape Double Sheath Stranded Loose-tube Fiber Optic Cable

  • GYFTA54 – Anti-Rodent APL Tape Double Nylon Sheath Stranded Loose-tube Fiber Optic Cable

  • GYFTS – Anti-Rodent Anti-Bird Steel Tape Stranded Loose-tube Fiber Optic Cable


Steel Wire Armored (SWA) Cables

  • GYXTY – Anti-Rodent Anti-Birds Steel Wires Uni-tube Fiber Optic Cable


FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) Strength Members

  • GYFXTY – Anti-Rodent Anti-Birds FRP Wires Uni-tube Fiber Optic Cable

  • GYFTY83-FS – Anti-Rodent Flat FRP Tape Stranded Loose-tube Fiber Optic Cable

  • GYFTY73 – Anti-Rodent Anti-Bird FRP Tape Double Sheath Stranded Loose-tube Fiber Optic Cable


Glass Yarn Optical Cable

  • GYGXZY04 – Anti-Rodent Anti-Termite Glass Fibre Tape Nylon Sheath Uni-tube Fiber Optic Cable


Other Protection Type

  • GJFJKH – Indoor Anti-Rodent Steel Flexible Hose Fiber Optic Cable (Unique construction with steel flexible hose for indoor applications)


Indeed, the damage inflicted by rodents during their time of mining is of high concern for optic fiber cable networks, which result in service interruptions and increase maintenance costs. Nevertheless, the utility of rodent-resistant optical cable materials, armored fiber cable protection by rodent-proofing, chemicals applied in the deterring of animal activities, and the installation of the fiber cable can greatly reduce the risk of rodent damage injuries. Indeed, Zion Communication is the leader of the pack when it comes to innovation, supplying absolutely nothing but the best durable telecom fiber cable solutions that network protection fiber cable integrity protection in even the most rodent-infested environments.

 

Incorporating these protective measures, enterprises as well as telecom service providers will be able to continue their operational activities without any interruptions. Moreover, they will be able to extend the operational life of the fiber optics network.




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