Outdoor Optical Cables for Duct, Aerial, Direct Burial, and Power Line Applications

■ Selecting the Outdoor Fiber Optic Cable Based on the Usage Scenario 

Choosing an outdoor fiber optic cable that would best fit your network installation is crucial to avoid any performance or environmental failure. With an assortment of types being sold—armored, non-metallic, aerial, buried, and self-supporting, as well as ribbon—you will have to know how to choose the right type for each type of application.

Here we discuss widely used outdoor fiber optic cable types based on their application scenarios and structure codes. These cable types include GYTA, GYTS, GYFTY, GYTY53, ADSS, GYTC8Y, and many more, which are well-known identifiers used at Zion Communication.

■ 1. Duct & Aerial Fiber Cables (Non-Self-Supporting)

These cables are primarily used in outdoor applications, such as duct installation or self-supporting aerial spans. In the latter case, external support such as messenger wire or conduit is provided.

Typical Models: 

GYTA: Full tape armored that is aluminum, either duct or above-head. 

GYTS: Steel tape that is armored and improves mechanical strength and support. 

GYFTY: All-dielectric (non-metallic), preferred for hitches or EMI environments. 

GYFTA: Armed with FRP, it is joined with non-metal applications. 

GYFTW: Non-metallic cable protected against water and an empty hole in the core.

Applications: 

• Backbone lines in suburban regions. 

• Network closure access from manhole tunnels through. 

• Cable lines spread through poles overhead when supporting structure exists externally.

✅ Key Features: 

• Construction either central tube or loose tube. 

• The gel or dry core offers complete water blocking. 

• The sheath comprises PE, with UV and moisture resistance characteristics. 

• Usually, this is where the fiber count ranges from 2 to 144.

Duct & Non-Self-Supporting Outdoor Cables – Product Comparison Table

■ 2. Direct Buried Fiber Cables – Armored for Harsh Environments 

When laying optical cables into the ground directly, without conduit, moisture, rodents, and mechanical damage protection must not be overlooked.

Common Models: 

GYTY53: Steel tape + PE sheath. 

GYTA53: Aluminum tape + corrugated steel tape armored. 

GYFTA53: Without having metallic strength and steel armor; perfect for EMI sensitive environments.

Applications: 

• Rural network based (base and backbone). 

• Direct installations in trenches. 

• Industrial areas threatened by chemicals or mechanical threats.

✅ Key Features: 

• Double sheath (inner + outer PE); 

• Armor of the corrugated tape made of steel or aluminum-polyethylene laminate; 

• The gel-filled core serves for waterproofing; 

• Usually, this measurement a core counted 2–288 cores available.

Direct Buried Outdoor Cables – Product Comparison Table

■ 3. ADSS Cables – All-Dielectric Self-Supporting 

ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting) cables specifically for aerial installations without any metal content. Those cables are predominantly for overhead transmission lines as their purpose is to minimize the probability of the electric field induction in the first place.

Applications: 

• Networks of power utility. 

• Pole-to-pole networks for long linear applications. 

• Zones or sites with strong EMI (Electromagnetic interference).

✅ Key Features: 

• Non-metal (usually FRP or aramid yarn) functions either as the center or the strength axis. 

• Self-supporting: No need for messenger wire. 

• The span length varies from 50 m to 500 m in addition. 

• Generating a suitable environment for most common accessories such as a suspension clamp and tension clamp.

ADSS Aerial Cables – Product Comparison Table

■ 4. Ribbon Fiber Optic Cables – High-Density, Fast Splicing 

Ribbon cables consist of a row of structured fiber ribbons of at least 12 strands that can be commonly spliced for fast installation.

Representative Models: 

GYDTA: Ribbon fiber and aluminum tape armor. 

GYDTS: Ribbon channel loaded with a steel tape armor. 

GYDXTW: Multiplex ribbon + a central tube + own tensile strength. 

GYDGA: The armored ribbon cables equipped with the best possible protection.

Applications: 

• The backbone routes for long distance communication. 

• From a central office to a data center. 

• Projects demanded high fiber count and requiring rapid deployment.

✅ Key Features: 

• These spliced ribbons usually have optical fibers counts 12, 24, 48, and up to 432 fibers. 

• Compatible with ribbon fiber fusion splicers. 

• Available options include both armored and dielectric types. 

• Quick setup and gentle shaping also.

 Ribbon Fiber Optic Cables – Product Comparison Table

■ 5. Self-Supporting Aerial (Figure-8) Optical Cables 

Figure-8 or coaxial cables integrate a messenger wire (steel or FRP) into the exterior jacket/armor, thus making it possible to suspend them directly from poles between without any extra hardware.

Typical Models: 

GYTC8Y: Elevated steel messenger wire (steels) + PE jacket. 

GYTC8A: Aluminum or similar metals. 

GYTC8S: Contains the steel upstand and messenger. 

GYXTC8Y: Tube with center. 

GYXTC8S: Steel wire-reinforced for tough conditions.

Applications: 

• The FTTH aerial is a type of the optical fibber deployment. 

• Fiber access to rural roads. 

• Communication setup in industries or plants.

✅ Key Features: 

• The easy installation with cable clamps (clamps/hangers) support. 

• The high tension stress is applied together. 

• Weatherproof any external jackets. 

• In shape of loose tube or center tube, 96 up to 144 fibers are there.

 Self-Supporting (Figure-8) Outdoor Cables – Product Comparison Table

■ 6. Waterproof / Shallow Water Fiber Cables 

Highly humid, flood risk, or the type of shallow water laying environments request cables with multi-layer armor and moisture-inhibiting moisture-blocking cables.

Recommended Types: 

GYTA33: Aluminum tape + 2-layer steel wire as a cover layer. 

GYTS333: Steel tape + three armor layers for mechanical strength (how the sponsor will be).

Applications: 

• Maybe coastal or swampy areas. 

• River crossing projects. 

• Industrial drainage systems.

✅ Key Features: 

• 3 dished armor generation. 

• Waterproofing gel, complete. 

• PE sheathing with anti-corrosive properties as well. 

 Waterproof / Shallow Water Outdoor Cables – Product Comparison Table

■ Fiber Types Available 

All models can be customized with different ITU-T compliant fiber types: 

• G.652D: Standard low water peak single mode (typical). 

• G.657A1 / A2: Bend insensitive, suited for drop and for access networks. 

• OM1 / OM2 / OM3 / OM4: Used for multimode high-speed transfer. 

■ Packaging & Color Coding 

In case of tube fiber, the color code shall be based on TIA/EIA-598 standard. 

Any Loose Tube & Jacket Color: As per customer’s instruction. 

Packing: Drum made of wood with informative labels including (model, limit fibers, length, lot, etc.)

■ Why Choose the Right Outdoor Optical Cable? 

✅ Durability: No more rework due to cable shock or failure. 

✅ Installation Speed: In its good structure, it saves time while installing. 

✅ Compliance: Provide documentation to ensure that the requirement has been met. 

✅ Cost-Effectiveness: Pairs environment with the right amount of shielding.

■ Need a Reliable Supplier of Outdoor Optical Cables?

Zion Communication offers: 

✔ Large selection of outdoor fiber cable categories. 

✔ A/B (OEM/ODM) branding into the problem you need. 

✔ Compatibility with ITU-T, IEC, and TIA/EIA standards. 

✔ Cost-effective and rapid delivery. 

Contact us now to get datasheets, samples, and a project-based quote.

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