Cable & Wire | High quality and excellent service at reasonable prices.
info@zion-communication.com

News Details

HOME » News / Blog » Optical Communication » GYFXBY vs SST-Drop™: A Practical Comparison for Reliable FTTH and Rural Network Deployment

GYFXBY vs SST-Drop™: A Practical Comparison for Reliable FTTH and Rural Network Deployment

Author: James     Publish Time: 14-11-2025      Origin: Site

 Introduction

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.


 Structural Overview

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.


 Compatibility and Interchangeability

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.



 Mechanical Strength and Reliability

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.



 Applicability: Designed for Real-World Conditions

ZION’s GYFXBY is optimized for multi-environment use—ranging from rural countryside networks to long-span aerial routes.

Main Advantages

  • 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.


 Cost-Effectiveness

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.



 Conclusion: Why Choose GYFXBY

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 Zion



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



We use cookies to enable all functionalities for the best performance during your visit and to improve our services by giving us some insight into how the website is being used. Continued use of our website without changing your browser settings confirms your acceptance of these cookies. For details, please see our privacy policy.
×