Author: James Publish Time: 14-11-2025 Origin: Site
In modern fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and rural broadband networks, reliability, mechanical strength, and installation efficiency determine the true value of a drop cable. While Corning’s SST-Drop™ cable is a well-known solution in the market, ZION Communication’s GYFXBY Flat-shape & Self-supporting Uni-tube Cable has emerged as a competitive and highly compatible alternative—offering similar performance at a significantly more flexible cost and installation profile.
This article compares both cables in structure, performance, and practical field use—demonstrating why GYFXBY delivers outstanding compatibility, applicability, and cost-effectiveness across various deployment scenarios.
Both cables are single-tube, all-dielectric self-supporting (ADSS-type) designs intended for outdoor aerial and distribution segments of optical networks.
However, the construction details reflect different design priorities:
Parameter | SST-Drop™ (Modified Non-Figure-8) | GYFXBY (ZION) |
Structure | Single loose tube with dielectric strength members | Flat-shape uni-tube with dual FRP rods |
Tube Filling | Gel-filled for water blocking | Water-blocking compound + yarn |
Strength Members | Non-metallic dielectric rods | 2 parallel FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) rods |
Outer Jacket | Black PE | Black PE |
Fiber Type | OS2, G.652.D | OS2 / G.657.A2 optional |
Shape | Slightly oval | Flat rectangular |
Installation | Aerial / Drop | Aerial / Wall / Pole installation |
Result: GYFXBY maintains full mechanical and optical compatibility with SST-Drop™ while offering a flatter, more compact shape—ideal for aerial and wall-mounted routes in rural or residential areas.
When comparing fiber and mechanical parameters, GYFXBY shows equivalent or superior compatibility with SST-Drop™:
Feature | Compatibility Level | Remarks |
Optical fiber type | ✅ Fully compatible | Both use ITU-T G.652.D OS2 fibers |
Fusion splicing / connectors | ✅ Fully compatible | Same core/cladding diameter (9/125 µm) |
Strength member materials | ✅ Fully compatible | Both use non-metallic dielectric rods |
Jacket material | ✅ Fully compatible | PE, UV-resistant |
Installation accessories | ⚠️ Partially compatible | Use flat/parallel wedge clamps instead of Figure-8 clamps |
Operating temperature | ✅ Compatible | −40°C to +70°C |
Long-term tensile strength | ✅ Compatible | 400 N (same level) |
Short-term tensile strength | ✅ Compatible | 1350–1400 N range |
✅ Conclusion:
From fiber performance to mechanical behavior, GYFXBY can directly replace SST-Drop™ in FTTH aerial drop applications—with only minimal adjustment in clamping accessories.
Field tests and design analysis show that GYFXBY offers comparable tensile performance and superior crush resistance to ensure reliable performance even in harsh environments:
Parameter | SST-Drop™ | GYFXBY |
Long-term Tensile | 400 N | 400 N |
Short-term Tensile | 1350 N | 1400 N |
Long-term Crush | — | 1000 N/100 mm |
Short-term Crush | — | 5000 N/100 mm |
Temperature Range | −40°C to +70°C | −40°C to +70°C |
GYFXBY’s flat PE sheath and FRP-reinforced parallel structure provide better crush protection during aerial installation and storage, especially in regions exposed to wind, ice, or animal interference.
ZION’s GYFXBY is optimized for multi-environment use—ranging from rural countryside networks to long-span aerial routes.
All-dielectric design: Safe for lightning-prone areas—no grounding required.
Flat and lightweight: Easy to handle, strip, and install with wedge clamps.
Flexible deployment: Suitable for aerial, wall, or pole mounting.
Customizable fiber count: 1–12 fibers available for feeder or drop segments.
Rugged sheath: PE jacket resists UV, moisture, and mechanical stress.
In contrast, SST-Drop™ is optimized for urban FTTH access networks with strict brand-standard installation tools, whereas GYFXBY’s design provides greater field adaptability and lower maintenance complexity.
When evaluating large-scale FTTH or rural broadband projects, cost-to-performance ratio becomes critical.
GYFXBY stands out in the following aspects:
Cost Factor | SST-Drop™ | GYFXBY |
Material cost | High (premium brand) | 20–30% lower (optimized local design) |
Accessory compatibility | Brand-specific clamps | Universal flat-type wedge clamps |
Installation time | Moderate (FastAccess peel) | Fast manual stripping, simpler handling |
Maintenance cost | High (proprietary accessories) | Low (generic, field-friendly) |
Customization flexibility | Limited | Wide range of fiber counts, sheath materials, and colors |
Result:
For operators or ISPs deploying thousands of meters of aerial drop cable, GYFXBY provides the same reliability at a fraction of the cost, making it an ideal choice for scalable broadband rollouts in developing regions.
The GYFXBY Flat-shape & Self-supporting Uni-tube Cable delivers a perfect balance of compatibility, reliability, and affordability.
It matches the performance of high-end SST-Drop™ cables while offering enhanced installation flexibility and long-term durability—without the added cost of brand-specific accessories.
Key Takeaways
✅ Fully compatible with OS2 fiber systems
✅ Equivalent tensile and thermal performance
✅ Easier installation in rural or tight spaces
✅ All-dielectric, safe in high-voltage areas
✅ Excellent cost-performance ratio
In essence:
GYFXBY is not just an alternative—it is a more practical, versatile, and cost-effective evolution of the same concept, engineered for the realities of today’s broadband expansion.
Contact us for more information

James is a technical manager and associate at Zion Communication.
Specializes in Optical Fiber communications, FTTH Solutions,
Fiber optic cables, ADSS cable, and ODN networks.
james@zion-communication.com
+86 13777460328
