Fiber optical cable is manufactured to meet optical, mechanical, or environmental performance specifications. It is a communication cable assembly that utilizes one or more optical fibers placed in a sheath as a transmission medium and can be used individually or in groups. The optical cable is mainly composed of optical fiber (glass wire as thin as hair), plastic protective sleeve, and plastic shell. The fiber optical cable generally has no recycling value as it without gold, silver, copper, aluminum, and other metals. The optical cable is a communication line that a certain number of optical fibers form the cable core in a certain manner, the outer is sheathed, and some outer cladding layers, to realize optical signal transmission. That is a cable formed by an optical fiber (optical transmission carrier) through a certain process. The basic structure of the fiber optical cable is generally composed of cable core, reinforcing steel wire, filler and sheath. In addition, there are components such as a waterproof layer, buffer layer, and insulated metal wire as needed.

The Major Benefits of Fiber Optical Cable

Easy Handling

Some communication systems require tens or even hundreds of fibers (such as a metro backbone system). Put fibers in a cable make it very easy to install and maintain.

Protection from damaging forces

Fiber optical cables have to be pulled into place through ducts (outdoor) or conduits (indoor). Pulling eyes are attached to the strength members or cable outer jackets. This is critical for isolating the fibers from the applied pulling forces. Glass fibers cannot endure more than 0.1% to 0.2% elongation during installation.

Protection from harsh environment factors

Cable structures protect fibers from moisture (outdoor cables), extreme temperature (aerial cables), and the influx of hydrogen into the fiber (which causes light absorption peak at 1380nm which in turn impair fibers’ transmission properties).