The optical fiber drop cable is used to make the last fiber optic connection between the access network and the end user. It forms an integral part of FTTH installations in which there is a need for good connectivity within the last mile.
There are different types of optical fiber drop cables depending on installation and environmental conditions, as well as the kind of fiber optic cable construction and mechanical strength.
What Is an Optical Fiber Drop Cable?
An optical fiber drop cable is a type of fiber optic cable that is used for the access section of the network.
Their construction can vary according to the intended application.
OMC Cable offers several FTTH drop cable designs, including butterfly flat, aerial self-supporting, armored outdoor, round, and other configurations.
How Does an Optical Fiber Drop Cable Work?
This cable allows the passage of optical signals from the distribution system to the subscriber side link.
In this cable, data transfer is done using optical fiber by generating light pulses. There are other components in the cable that serve as mechanical strength elements for the protection of the fiber.
In the FTTH network, the drop cable plays an important role in the last-mile connection. The drop cable must be designed to match the route from the distribution point to the consumer’s property.
Key Features of Optical Fiber Drop Cable
Compact Construction
There is a compact construction of the drop cables, as this cable can be installed in access network applications.
The size of the cable depends upon the design of the cable.
Bend-Resistant Fiber
FTTH installations can involve tight routing paths.
Bend-resistant fiber, such as G.657 fiber, can be useful in these situations. OMC’s round FTTH drop cable range includes G657A2 and G657B3 configurations.
Mechanical Protection
The cable construction helps protect the optical fiber from mechanical stress.
Depending on the model, strength members may include aramid fiber or other supporting materials. These components can help improve resistance to pulling forces and other installation stresses.
Different Jacket Materials
The outer jacket is selected according to the intended environment.
OMC’s round FTTH drop cable range includes both LSZH and TPU options.
LSZH can be useful where low-smoke and halogen-free characteristics are required. TPU can be selected for cable designs that require flexibility and additional mechanical or environmental resistance.
Round Optical Fiber Drop Cable
Round drop cables are one type of FTTH cable construction.
Their circular profile can make them convenient for routing through confined spaces. OMC’s round FTTH drop cable range includes 3.0 mm and larger configurations, with different fiber, jacket, and tensile-strength options.
Round cables can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications when the specific construction is suitable for the environment.
They can also be useful for aerial deployments when the cable has the required supporting structure.
Round vs. Flat Drop Cable
Both round and flat drop cables can be used in FTTH networks.
A round drop cable may offer convenient routing and a compact circular profile. It can be useful where flexibility and cable handling are important.
A flat drop cable has a different structure. Many designs use parallel strength members around the optical fiber, creating a flatter profile that can be convenient for certain building and access installations.
Neither design is universally better. The appropriate option depends on the installation route, mechanical requirements, available space, and environmental conditions.
Common Applications
Residential FTTH
Residential broadband networks are one of the main applications for optical fiber drop cables.
A drop cable can connect the local fiber distribution network with individual homes. Its construction should match the building route and installation conditions.
Commercial Buildings
Offices and commercial properties can also require fiber connections to individual units or network areas.
A compact drop cable can simplify routing through internal pathways where space is limited.
Outdoor Access Networks
Some drop cable designs are suitable for outdoor use.
The cable must have appropriate protection for the environment. Outdoor installations may expose cables to moisture, UV radiation, temperature changes, and mechanical stress.
Aerial Fiber Deployment
Certain FTTH drop cables can be used in aerial applications.
OMC states that its round FTTH drop cable can be used for outdoor aerial applications where the appropriate self-supporting structure is required.
The specific cable design should always be checked before aerial installation.
How to Choose the Right Optical Fiber Drop Cable
Consider the Fiber Type
Fiber type should match the network architecture.
FTTH systems use single-mode fiber, which has the capability to transmit optical signals for long distances. In cases where there are tight bends during installation, bend-insensitive G.657 fibers are very helpful.
Check Fiber Count
The required fiber count depends on the network design.
Some drop cables contain a single optical fiber, while other configurations provide multiple fibers. OMC’s broader FTTH drop cable range includes configurations from 1 to 12 fibers, depending on the product type.
Evaluate Tensile Strength
Installation conditions can place mechanical stress on the cable.
Consider the expected pulling force and the environment where the cable will be installed. OMC’s round cable range includes different tensile ratings, including 80N, 200N, 400N, 450N, 500N, 800N, and 1000N options across its listed configurations.
The correct rating should be selected according to the actual application rather than simply choosing the highest value.
Check the Jacket
The jacket should be appropriate for the installation environment.
For example, LSZH may be preferred for certain indoor applications. TPU may be suitable for cable designs requiring flexibility and additional environmental resistance.
Consider Bend Requirements
Bend radius is important during installation.
Excessive bending can affect optical performance or damage the cable. Always follow the manufacturer’s specified static and dynamic bend-radius requirements.
Installation Considerations
Proper handling is essential when installing an optical fiber drop cable.
Avoid excessive pulling force, sharp bends, crushing, and twisting. The cable should be routed using suitable pathways and secured without creating unnecessary mechanical stress.
Connector and fiber ends should also be protected from dust and contamination.
After installation, appropriate testing can help verify the completed optical link. Depending on the project, testing may include continuity, insertion loss, and other optical measurements.
Why Choose a Reliable Optical Fiber Cable Manufacturer?
The quality of a drop cable affects the reliability of the access network. A suitable manufacturer should provide different cable constructions and clear technical specifications for different deployment conditions.
OMC Cable provides multiple FTTH drop cable categories and configurations. Its product range includes round FTTH drop cables with different fiber types, jacket materials, dimensions, and mechanical characteristics.
For example, OMC lists a 3.0 mm TPU round FTTH drop cable using single-mode G657B3 fiber and aramid fiber as the strength member. Its published specifications also include a TPU UV-protected outer jacket.
In choosing the right cable, you will have to give details to the manufacturer about the environment, number of fibers, routing, mechanical specifications, and connectivity needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an optical fiber drop cable?
An optical fiber drop cable is a fiber optic cable used to connect an access network with an end user’s location. It is commonly used in FTTH deployments for residential, commercial, and other subscriber connections.
What is the difference between a drop cable and a regular fiber optic cable?
Drop cables are specifically designed for the access portion of a network. They are usually compact and optimized for installation between distribution points and subscriber premises. Fiber optic cables of other types could be intended for backbone, distribution, indoor, and long-distance use.
What kind of fiber is usually employed in FTTH drop cables?
Single-mode fiber is typically used in FTTH. In addition, there are bend-insensitive G.657 fiber types which are widely used in drop cables due to the fact that access deployments usually contain a number of tight bends.
Can optical fiber drop cables be deployed outdoors?
Yes, some can. It is the type of the cable’s construction, jacket, mechanical protection, and rating that matter when it comes to outdoor deployment. Make sure that you always check out the manufacturer’s specifications.
How to select an optical fiber drop cable?
Consider fiber type, fiber count, cable structure, jacket material, tensile strength, bend radius, installation environment, and network requirements. The cable should be selected according to the complete FTTH deployment design.
Conclusion
An optical fiber drop cable is an important component of FTTH access networks. This provides the physical link between the fiber distribution network and the consumer, along with a small form factor to facilitate its installation.
In selecting the right one, the following factors should be taken into account, such as type of fiber, number of fibers, construction of the cable, type of jacket, tensile strength, bend performance, and the conditions under which it will be installed.
