Next Generation Ruggedized Drop Cable

Abstract:
For FTTx, different fiber optic cables are optimal for different installation criteria. Designs for outdoor aerial and buried drops have become fairly standard. The next opportunity is for indoor drop cables, especially in multiple dwelling units (MDUs) and for combined indoor-outdoor drops. The issue is installing fiber optic cables in buildings which were not designed with cable ducts or cable trays. This is the case for some older multiple business unit buildings and almost all older multiple dwelling unit buildings. Two cable designs for MDU installations with different applications are discussed in this paper. The first is an indoor-outdoor cable design designed to address an application in Europe. The 5 mm diameter cable meets the application requirement for an outdoor aerial drop cable with a 30 meter aerial span and also meets the flammability resistance of IEC 60332 so that the same cable can continue into the building. This cable is designed to use bend-improved single mode fiber. The second is a 4.8 mm diameter cable utilizing a bend-insensitive fiber, designed specifically to withstand the stapling and tight bends expected in MDU installations.