Draka Communications Americas has released a series of loose tube fiber cables demonstrating rodent resistant properties through the application of an all-dielectric armor design.  The all-dielectric armor product family provides rodent resistance without the use of metallic components, allowing the cables to be used in close proximity with power cables and in lightning prone applications.  The product delivers an excellent balance between robustness and craft friendliness.  Key features and benefits include:

• 20 foot mid-span buffer tube storage capability, allowing for mid cable access
• Buffer tubes that are flexible and craft friendly for easy routing in closures
• Rodent resistant non-metallic armoring layered between 2 polyethylene jackets
• All-dielectric armoring provides a 60% increase in tensile strength performance
• Available with the BendBright^® family of bend insensitive fibers
• Colorlock^® fiber coating for long lasting fiber reliability and color vibrancy
• Available in 24 to 432 fiber configurations

“We are pleased to announce a new product that meets the needs of our customers desiring an all-dielectric cable which provides a more robust product with rodent resistance. Utility customers desire the ability to place an all-dielectric fiber cable inside the same duct as a power cable while other customers’ desire rodent resistance for direct buried applications. Our product brings a solution to both customer needs”, states Bill Dungan, Senior Vice President at Draka Communications. “It is an exciting time to be a global leader in optical fiber and cable manufacturing.”

MDU environments present a new set of installation challenges to service providers. Intra-building cable routing is not always achievable using traditional installation techniques. But in the end, a fiber drop cable must be placed between the closest distribution point and the subscriber’s living area. Acceptable drop cable placement techniques must support rapid, easy, and cost effective deployment; minimize the impact on visual aesthetics; and support an “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” dynamic.

It’s easy to see how  routing drop cables under these conditions could result in tight bends and necessitate stapling cables to structural materials within the residence. These two application-specific conditions are well suited for bend insensitive fiber but not for standard single-mode fiber. Continue reading »

It may help to explain that “MDU” means “Multi-dwelling units”, such as apartments or condos. When installing cables in MDUs, it is often difficult to overcome structural obstacles to route the drop cables to each living unit.  MDU cables were invented to help with this problem. Bend Insensitive Fiber (BIF) products have been commercialized to enable broadband connections that were not possible with standard products. These BIF products are incorporated in an appropriately designed drop cable that protects the fiber during installation and operation.

An MDU  cable that is robust and forgiving provides the installer with simplified deployment methods that include the use of approved staples, tie-wraps, and other industry-standard fastening devices that are readily available and off-the shelf. The MDU cable is designed to tolerate a number of 90-degree bends in series which simplifies the cable route significantly and speeds installation. Continue reading »

Ribbon fiber cable is widely used outside plant fiber cable, especially for 96 fibers or more. It has 12 to 24 colored fibers lying side by side, with a clear overcoat material to hold the fibers together. Each of these ribbons has unique printing for quick and easy identification. With splicing equipment, the fibers can all be spliced together in a single shot. Ribbon technology has been used for over 20 years, and is very widely used by the RBOC’s.

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