Air Blown Micro Fiber Optic Cabling
Air blown micro fiber cabling is a great option for network upgrades and expansions. Its use of air to lubricate the cable reduces friction and allows for faster installation. It also eliminates the need for trenching or conduits, making it a cost-effective option for data centers.
OFS offers a full line of loose tube air-blown microcables with Telcordia GR-20 designs. These cables can be used for a variety of applications, including backbone and FTTx networks.
Cost-effectiveness
Blown fiber optic cable is a cost-effective solution for network expansion. It can be air-blown-micro-fiber-optical-cable deployed in phases and allows providers to add new fibers without requiring extensive infrastructure changes. It also offers the ability to use existing ducts, making it easier and faster to upgrade networks.
Blown micro cable works by using air to install optical fibers in pre-installed micro ducts. It is much less costly than traditional fiber cables, and it requires fewer splice points, which can reduce attenuation and enhance system performance. Additionally, it can be easily reconfigured to accommodate future evolving applications.
This technology uses compressed air to create a nearly frictionless surface between the fiber cable jacket and the inside wall of the micro duct. This lubrication significantly reduces installation time and labor costs. In addition, it minimizes damage to the underlying cable, which can reduce overall installation costs and prevent fiber degradation and loss.
Compared to traditional fiber cables, blown fiber offers significant cost savings in several ways, including reduced outside plant material, faster installation times, fewer fiber connection points (which can reduce attenuation and improve system performance), and the ability to reuse existing ducts. The streamlined installation process also eliminates the need for specialized equipment and enables providers to reach more customers with a smaller investment. In addition, blown fibers can be quickly installed with minimal disruption to service, which can lower operational costs.
High-density
Air-blown fiber optic cable utilizes an air compressor to blow (or “jet”) lightweight optical fiber bundles through predefined routes. This method of cabling is used in a variety of applications, including metropolitan feeders and access networks. Its compact design, low weight, and flexible construction make it easy to handle and install. The cable is also highly resilient and has a durable outer sheath. It can be installed either above ground aerially, underground, or inside buildings. Its low weight reduces the load on structures supporting the cable, reducing installation costs and speeding up the overall project time.
This type of air blown fiber optic cable has a compact and lightweight construction, which makes it ideal for applications where space is limited. Its small diameter allows it to be blown over long distances, even in curved routes. It can be easily retracted, which increases the cable’s overall flexibility.
The cable’s gel-filled design offers excellent mechanical properties. It is available in central loose tube and stranded loose tube designs, ranging from 6 to 144 cores. The cable is also plenum-rated, which makes it suitable for use in a variety of environments. Its durable HDPE jacket and aramid yarn provide added strength. Its unique construction also helps reduce overall installation costs and allows the cable to be expanded as demand increases.
Low-friction
Air blown fiber optic cables use a specialized air-based system to blow or jet lightweight optical fiber bundles, also known as micro cable, through predefined routes at speeds up to 500 feet per minute (150 m/min). This cabling technique has a number of significant benefits over traditional cable installation techniques, including the ability to easily install and upgrade to new technologies.
The stranded loose tube air blown micro cable uses high-modulus PBT to provide impressive mechanical properties under harsh conditions and water blocking gel to prevent fiber abrasion. Its small diameter allows it to be blown into microducts of various sizes, allowing providers to maximize the utilization of existing duct space and lower deployment costs.
Optical fibers and filler elements are arranged in photosensitive resins to form the core, while outside, a special low friction sheath is extruded. This air blown fiber optic cable is designed for metro feeders or access networks and offers superior performance, reliability and value.
Unlike traditional cable, the loose tube air blown micro cable can be spliced on site with a standard fusion splicer, which can cut up to 68 fibers. This enables data centers to add fiber optic cable assembly industry or remove fibers as needed without disrupting service. This flexibility makes it easier for operators to meet evolving network demands and improves service quality. Additionally, the cable’s design minimizes installation times and costs by reducing the number of splices required for fiber branching.
Durability
The durability of air-blown micro fiber optical cable depends on the quality of its materials and production. It also depends on the installation techniques and site conditions. A reputable manufacturer will ensure that its cables meet the quality and performance standards set by industry standards. They will also perform a rigorous testing program to ensure that the cable is durable and suitable for the environment.
Air-blown microfiber systems are more cost-effective than traditional fiber systems and offer many benefits. They eliminate the need for expensive and time-consuming trenching and conduit installation, and can be easily installed in existing ducts. Additionally, they can be easily expanded for future network upgrades without significant disruption to existing infrastructure.
OFS offers a portfolio of air-blown microcables that are designed to provide exceptional cable-installation performance. These microcables are ideal for overriding existing cables in crowded networks, installing into unused innerducts, and greenfield “grow-as-you-go” deployments. They are also highly scalable and can help reduce initial investment costs by allowing providers to deploy fiber only where they need it.
GCYFTY and GCYFXTY are stranded loose tube air-blown optical cable with a central loose tube and aramid strength members. They have a HDPE jacket, which provides protection against environmental factors such as moisture and UV radiation. These cables have a high optical density and are suitable for small duct spaces.