How to Choose Outdoor Fiber Optic Cable?

In telecommunications engineering construction, fiber optical cables are the core transmission medium, directly determining the quality of the project and the stability of transmission. Many people only consider price when purchasing, neglecting crucial factors such as structure, materials, core count, and application, leading to frequent failures and shortened lifespan later on.

In this article, we will provides a professional guide to correctly selecting fiber optical cables , helping you choose high performance, cost effective fiber optic cables  that suitable for your projects.

 

Outdoor Fiber Optic Cables Classified by Installation Methods

Aerial Fiber Optic Cables

Aerial fiber optic cables are primarily suitable for installations above ground, such as on utility poles and towers. Typical models include Figure 8 fiber optic cable, GYXTW, GYTA, and ADSS fiber cable. Aerial fiber optic cables can withstand harsh outdoor environments such as ultraviolet radiation, extreme temperature differences, and wind and rain erosion.

 

Direct-buried Fiber Optic Cables

Direct-buried fiber optic cables are laid directly in the soil without the need for supporting duct protection. Main type include GYXTW53, GYFTY53, GYTY53, GYTA53 or etc. The direct-buried fiber optic cables feature a double-layer PE outer sheath with armored tape structure, and are internally equipped with water-blocking yarn and water-blocking paste, effectively resisting soil moisture, underground compression and impact, rodent and ant damage, and stress damage caused by seasonal temperature changes.

 

Duct Fiber Optic Cables

Duct fiber optic cables are suitable for laying within pre-buried communication ducts. Common models are GYFTY and GYTA. These cables have a compact structure, excellent tensile strength, and are suitable for long-distance laying. They are easy to install, have a long service life, and can operate stably for decades after installation, providing a safe and efficient underground fiber optic transmission solution for municipal pipeline networks, urban underground communications, and industrial park pipeline networks.

 

 

Considering Structure & Materials

The structural design and raw material quality of fiber optical cables are the core factors affecting transmission performance, anti-interference ability, and durability. Structure & Materials should be checked first when purchasing.

Therefore, when purchasing outdoor fiber optic cables, priority should be given to their structure and materials. Outdoor optical cables are mainly divided into two structures, central loose tube structure and stranded loose tube structure. Both are composed of optical fibers, loose tubes, strengthen members, aramid yarn and outer sheath. These structural components can effectively protect the fiber glass from external damage, giving the optical fiber cable stronger environmental adaptability, ensuring stable long distance transmission, and also significantly extending its service life.

For example, UnitekFiber's ADSS optical fiber cable equipped with G652D fiber delivers high transmission speed, stable performance and long transmission distance. It supports 10G broadband transmission up to 40km and effectively reduces optical signal attenuation. The loose tube is made of high quality PBT material with excellent hydrolysis resistance and mechanical strength, which well protects the fiber from internal and external pressure and prolongs service life. Meanwhile, it adopts DuPont aramid yarn to meet high tensile strength requirements. The outer sheath is made of high durability PE material, featuring solid mechanical performance and excellent insulation properties.

 

Considering Fiber Core When Selecting Fiber Optical Cable

The fiber core count of an optical fiber cable directly determines its structural type and applicable scenarios. For instance, optical fiber cable with fewer than 24 cores adopt a central loose tube structure. Featuring a simple structure, less material consumption, a streamlined manufacturing process, high flexibility and easy bending, they allow high construction efficiency, which is ideal for overhead and duct application networks.

By contrast, fiber optical cables with more than 24 cores generally adopt a stranded loose tube structure, which delivers superior tensile strength and is suitable for direct burial installation, backbone network deployment and long distance transmission.

Therefore, it is critical to select the appropriate fiber core count according to specific project requirements when purchasing fiber optical cables.

 

Considering Application to Choose Fiber Optic Cable

Choosing fiber optic cables according to their intended use is crucial, as they are classified into aerial fiber optic cable, direct buried fiber optic cable, duct fiber optic cable, and undersea types fiber optic cable. Different projects require specific cable types to guarantee construction quality. Therefore, when purchasing fiber optic cables, you may consult suppliers for professional recommendations to ensure reliable and stable operation.

Aerial optical cables mainly include ADSS optical cables, Figure 8 optical cables, and OPGW cable. Commonly used models include ASU, ADSS, GYTS, GYXTW, GYTC8S, GYTC8Y, OPGW and more. Direct buried fiber optic cable mainly include GYXTW53, GYFTY53, GYTY53, GYTA53 or ect. Duct fiber optic cable mainly include GYFTY, GYTA or ect..

 

Currently, UnitekFiber provides outdoor fiber optic cables for a wide range of application scenarios to meet diverse project requirements. As a leading fiber optic cable manufacturer, we own a professional technical team to offer reliable technical support for your projects.

If you haven't found the ideal fiber optic cable for your project, feel free to contact us at sales@unitekfiber.com. More professional content and high quality fiber optic cables are ready for you!