What are Aerial optic fiber cables? 

Aerial optical fiber cables are a specific type of optical fiber cables that are designed for installation above the ground and are usually hung between poles or towers. Usually, this technique is implemented in telecommunication networks when the distance is long, or when the last mile (local loop) is in question.

Here are some key characteristics and considerations for aerial optic fiber cables: 

• Design for Aerial Environment: These cables are engineered for coping with hazards like wind, ice, and UV rays coming from the sun. These cables have these features, such as UV-protective armor and extra strength members to handle the physical challenges of cabling over the space. 

• Strength Members: To support the cable's weight and maintain tensile strength, aerial fiber cables often incorporate materials like steel wire, FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic), or aramid yarn. These strength elements avoid the cable from sagging or breaking due to its own load or environmental forces. 

■ Types of Aerial Fiber Cables 

• All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS): The ADSS cables come equipped to hold themselves only, without extra steel cables or messenger wires. These are most commonly used in places where erecting ground structures is either complicated or pricey. 

• Figure-8 Cables: The cables encompass a mesh of steel messenger wire fastened along the top, which creates a “figure-8” look to the cable in a cross-section. The cable wire is strengthened additionally and is used to reach the, poles. 

• Lashed Cables: The following method entails a standard fiber optic cable that has been lashed around a particular steel messenger wire by the operation of a cable lashing machine. It is this practice that is most commonly used for retrofitting fiber optic lines to areas with aerial literature already in place.

■ Types of Figure-8 aerial optic fiber cable 

Figure 8 aerial cables are the mostly used type of aerial fiber optic cables.

• GYAXTC8Y Figure-8 Steel wire Self-supporting Uni-tube with Aramid Yarns Fiber Optic Cable for Networks in Rural Areas Vast Countryside

• GYFC8S Light Amored Self-supporting Figure 8 Cable

• GYFC8Y FRP CSM Aerial Installation Optical Fiber Cable Figure-8 Self-supporting

• GYFC8Y53 FRP CSM Double Sheath Aerial Installation Optical Fiber Cable Figure-8 Self-supporting

• GYFTC8A | GYTC8A FRP CSM Aluminum Armored Aerial Installation Optical Fiber Cable Figure-8 Self-supporting

• GYXTC8S Small PSP Armored Uni-tube Aerial Installation Optical Fiber Cable Figure-8 Self-supporting

■ How to Choose/Select Aerial Fiber Optic Cable?

Selecting the type of aerial fiber optic cable that your installation requires is a crucial decision that may have a vital influence on both performance and success or failure of the network. Let us examine the most important variables you should factor in while choosing an aerial fiber optic cable:

Cable Specifications and Performance Requirements 

• Fiber Count: Decide the required number of fibers you will need for the current and anticipated future network, taking into account the bandwidth demand and scalability. 

• Bandwidth Capacity: You will find out the capacity needed bandwidth to meet your network demands, and include the aspects of data transfer rates, latency, and type of applications to be used. 

• Fiber Type: Choose the appropriate fiber type (single-mode for long distances, multi-mode for shorter distances), but first, take the factors like transmission distance and signal attenuation into consideration. But the most popular is G.652.D 

Environmental Factors and Weather Resistance 

• UV Resistance: The cable's exposure to UV radiation needs to be resisted, just as sunlight radiation can affect performance. The employability of UV-resistant materials is vital for durability. 

• Moisture Resistance: Visibly appealing moisture barriers on the cables must be chosen primarily for a damp environment in order to avoid possible signal degradation or damage. 

• Temperature Range: Pick cables serving the extreme temperature conditions of the installation zone to ensure constant performance.

  
  

Strength and Durability for Long-Term Installations 

• Tensile Strength: Assess the required tensile strength especially considering the design span length, wind load, and given cable weight. 

• Mechanical Protection: The cable should be equipped with a sound and reliable protective sheathing, and in the case of added armor, it has to be of good quality. 

• Rodent Resistance: Take cables with rodent-repellents features, especially in rodent-dense areas, to help against the damage.

Compatibility with Existing Infrastructure and Hardware

• Connector Types: Make sure that the type of cable connectors is the right type that your existing network equipment uses, taking into consideration the most common types such as LC, SC, or ST. 

• Mounting Hardware: The compatibility with aerial gears such as clamps, suspension devices, and messenger wires must also be ensured. 

• Splicing and Termination Compatibility: The cable must be apt with the network’s splicing and termination methods, both for fusion splicing and mechanical connectors.

Additional Considerations 

• Installation Ease: Find out the complexity of installation for the cable, as in the case of some cables they are more flexible or have features that help with installation. 

• Regulatory Compliance: Verify that cable satisfies the industry requirements and regulations by such entities as the ITU, IEEE, or similar local authorities. 

• Budget and Cost-effectiveness: Harmonize the performance needs with the expense by considering the initial investment and long-term maintenance and repair.

By conducting a very detailed evaluation of these factors, you will settle on a cable, not only satisfying your current network needs but also of sufficient quality and robustness to stand the reasoning against the future needs and environmental challenges.