Ribbon Optical Cable | High-Density Outdoor Fiber Cable for Backbone Networks

■ What is Ribbon Optical Cable? 

According to their design, ribbon optical cables are intended to have a large number of optical fibers transferred in a small volume, organized, and most efficiently. The key feature of ribbon fiber cables is the flat configuration of the fibers using matrix-style ribbons with either 4, 6, 8, or 12 fibers per ribbon (depending on density). It gives mass fusion splicing and increases the density in a limited space. 

For a variety of bandwidth capacities in such infrastructures as: 

• Metropolitan area networks (MAN) 

• It leads to long-distance backbone transmission. 

• Data centers and telecom hubs 

• Due to fiber optics, FTTH feeder and distribution networks are possible.

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■ Structural Features of Ribbon Optical Cables 

Based on the installation environment, ribbon cables resort to multiple designs, like that: 

 ✅ All ribbon cables have ribbon fibers. Thanks to mass fusion splicing, which is effective, we obtain fast results of network expansion and project deployment.

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■ Application Scenarios

■ Ribbon Cable Advantages

■ Fiber Specification Snapshot

Direct buried cables can be manufactured with G.652.D, G.657.A1, or G.657.A2 fibers:

■ Fiber & Tube Color Coding

Fiber color coding follows TIA/EIA-598 or YD/T standards, using the standard 12-color sequence (Blue, Orange, Green, Brown, Grey, White, Red, Black, Yellow, Violet, Pink, Aqua). Tubes are coded similarly. Additional fiber counts repeat the color sequence with color ring marks.

Fiber Color Standard Sequence

Note:

1. If there are less than 12 fibers in a loose tube, the color sequence is followed continuously, starting from No.1,
2. In the standard color sequence, No.6 white color can be replaced by natural color, called the W color sequence.
3. Color arrangement can be customized.

Tube Color Standard Sequence

■ Q&A: Everything You Need to Know About Ribbon Optical Cables

Q1: What is the difference between ribbon fiber and traditional stranded fiber cables? 

A: The ribbons of fiber (flat, matrix-style, with 4, 6, 8, or 12 fibers per ribbon, usually) are used for mass fusion splicing – splicing of up to 12 fibers simultaneously. However, stranded fibers are all individual fibers in loose tubes, each requiring splicing. Ribbon cables are suitable either for networks with high-capacity or where speed and density matter to the installation process.

Q2: When should I choose a ribbon optical cable instead of a conventional one? 

A: Prefer ribbon cables for the projects with these requirements: 

• High fiber count (≥96F) for backbone or metro networks 

• Preparing mass fusion splicing to cut down labor time 

• Constricted duct space, therefore needing compact design 

• Aiming at future-proofing networks by scalable capacity

Q3: What’s the maximum fiber count available in ribbon optical cables? 

A: Zion Communication rounds out its offering with the supply of ribbon fiber cables up to 288 fibers in total. Each unit of ribbon is 12 fibers in it, and the several ribbons are put into a loose tubes or a central core. Higher values like 432F and 576F can also be served on demand.

Q4: Which models are suitable for buried or duct installation? 

• GYDTA / GYDTS: The protection by aluminum or steel tapes, suitable for direct burial or ducts. 

• GYDXTW: The shape of which is compact for duct or limited aerial installation due to steel wires. 

• GYDGA: The all-dielectric (instead of metallic), provides protection in EMI-sensitive areas and can also be used in power trench applications.

Q5: Can ribbon cables be used in aerial installations? 

A: Yeah, models such as GYDXTW (with the steel wires) are capable of making aerial short-span deployment a reality. But, if you want fully self-supporting ribbon cables (like ADSS cables made of ribbon fibers), complex designs are a must. Most ribbon cables are designed for duct or burying use.

Q6: Are these cables compatible with standard splicing and joint closures? 

A: Indeed. Ribbon fiber cables must be used with ribbon fusion splicers and compatible closures designed for mass fusion trays. Most current mainstream enclosures (e.g., from Corning, FOSC, or Raychem) accommodate ribbon configuration up to 288F.

Q7: What’s the difference between GYDTA, GYDTS, GYDXTW, and GYDGA?

Q8: Can I order ribbon cables with G.657.A2 bend-insensitive fibers? 

A: You most certainly can. Zion puts filamentary cables with G.652.D, G.657.A1, and G.657.A2 fibers on offer. G.657.A2 comes highly recommended when installing in limited bends or dense routing environments.

Q9: Are ribbon optical cables more expensive than standard cables? 

A: The unit price for linear meter may be slightly higher, but layout labor and splicing time in such projects with hundreds of fusion points are considerably reduced. Additionally, ribbon cables are saving time; they generally reach the ceiling of the total cost of ownership (TCO) in about the same amount of time.

Q10: Can I customize the jacket color, print, and packaging?

A: Yes. Zion Communication is fully committed to their customers and therefore encourages full OEM/ODM services with the following options: 

• Jacket color (color choice: see black and orange) 

• Through meter marking and customer logo printing 

• The provision of nylon sheathing (which is optional) 

• Customized drum length for exporting and export packaging.

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