In the digital age, the rapid transmission of information has become the foundation of modern society. In this “information highway,” outdoor optical cables play a crucial role. Whether it’s transoceanic communication, data transfer between cities, or the last mile of your home broadband network, outdoor optical cables are silently at work. This article will introduce you to the types, comparative features, and practical applications of outdoor optical cables, unveiling the mystery behind this modern communication infrastructure.
Basic Concepts of Outdoor Optical Cables
Outdoor optical cables are specifically designed for outdoor environments, offering greater environmental adaptability compared to indoor optical cables. The core of an optical cable is the optical fiber, a thin strand made of pure glass or plastic that transmits data in the form of light pulses at speeds close to the speed of light, with bandwidth far exceeding traditional copper cables.
The uniqueness of outdoor optical cables lies in their robust structural design, which can withstand various harsh outdoor conditions such as UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, rain erosion, and mechanical stress. A typical outdoor optical cable consists of the following components:
- Optical Fiber: The core part that transmits light signals, with a diameter as thin as a human hair.
- Filling Material:Water-blocking gel to prevent moisture penetration.
- Reinforcement: Steel wire or aramid fiber to provide mechanical strength.
- Sheath:Polyethylene (PE) or flame-retardant materials (LSZH) to protect the internal structure.
1.Classification by Structure
(1) Central Tube Optical Cable
The central tube optical cable is a typical optical cable structure. Its core feature is the placement of multiple fibers in the center of a high-strength plastic tube (usually made of PBT material). The tube is surrounded by reinforcement (such as steel wire or FRP non-metallic reinforcement) and a sheath. This design uses gel filling inside the tube for waterproofing and buffering, offering advantages such as compact structure, lightweight, and excellent bending performance. Typical models include GYXTW and GYXTA, widely used in conventional installation scenarios like aerial and duct laying, especially for medium- to short-distance communication networks with fewer cores (e.g., 12–48 cores).
Typical Models and Comparison
(2) Stranded Optical Cable
Stranded optical cables use a layered helical structure, with multiple fiber loose tubes spirally arranged around a central reinforcement. This design offers high tensile strength and large fiber capacity, making it suitable for long-distance trunk lines and metropolitan area networks (MANs) requiring high reliability. Common models include GYTA for aerial use and GYTS for direct burial, supporting 12–144 fibers. Although more expensive, they provide superior stability and are the preferred choice for backbone networks.
Typical Models and Comparison
(3) Skeleton Optical Cable
The skeleton optical cable is a unique structure featuring a plastic skeleton with spiral grooves as the fiber-bearing unit. Multiple fibers are directly embedded into the grooves, eliminating the need for loose tubes. This design provides excellent compression and bending resistance, making it ideal for complex mechanical environments.
Typical Models and Comparison
2.Classification by Installation Method
(1) Aerial Optical Cable
Aerial optical cables are installed by hanging them on utility poles, towers, or building exteriors, typically using self-supporting or messenger wire methods. Their design must withstand outdoor conditions such as wind sway, UV radiation, and temperature extremes. They are commonly used in MANs, rural networks, and power communication systems. Selection depends on mechanical load, environmental conditions, and cost. For power scenarios, OPGW/ADSS is preferred, while GYTA/GYTS is common for communication networks.
Typical Models and Comparison
(2) Direct Burial Optical Cable
Direct burial optical cables are laid directly underground (without duct protection) and are suitable for environments like fields, mountains, and rural areas. Their design must resist pressure, moisture, and rodent damage to ensure long-term stability.
Typical Models and Comparison
(3) Duct Optical Cable
Duct optical cables are designed for underground duct installation, typically consisting of reinforcement, loose tubes, filling materials, armor, and an outer sheath. They offer high mechanical strength, moisture resistance, and tensile capacity, making them suitable for urban communication networks, backbone networks, and access networks.
Typical Models and Comparison
(4) Submarine Optical Cable
Submarine optical cables are specialized for underwater communication. The core fibers transmit light signals, while reinforcement elements (high-strength steel wires or aramid) ensure mechanical strength. Water-blocking materials and metal armor prevent water ingress, and the outer layer is resistant to seawater corrosion. Installed via specialized ships, they are key for transoceanic and island communication.
Typical Models and Comparison
3.Special Optical Cable Applications
（1） Power System Optical Cables
Power system optical cables are designed for the unique needs of the power industry, combining communication and power transmission functions while adapting to strong electromagnetic fields, mechanical stress, and harsh weather.
Typical Models and Comparison
（2）Mining Flame-Retardant Optical Cables
Mining flame-retardant optical cables are designed for special environments like mines. They feature flame-retardant materials (e.g., PVC or LSZH) and robust mechanical strength to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring safe communication in mines.
Typical Models and Comparison
（3） Military Field Optical Cables
Military field optical cables are designed for combat and field training. They use high-strength materials like Kevlar for reinforcement, offering resistance to extreme conditions, electromagnetic interference, and quick deployment for battlefield communication.
Typical Models and Comparison
Trends in Optical Cable Technology
- Higher Capacity: Single-fiber transmission capacity advancing to 400G/800G.
- Higher Density:Micro-cable technology enables more fibers in smaller diameters.
- Smart Features:Built-in fiber sensing for real-time monitoring.
- Eco-Friendliness: Wider use of halogen-free flame-retardant materials.
Conclusion
Outdoor optical cables, as the “neural network” of the information society, are undeniably vital. Understanding the characteristics and applications of different types of optical cables helps us better appreciate the infrastructure supporting the digital world. With the development of 5G, IoT, and other technologies, outdoor optical cables will continue to innovate, providing even stronger connectivity for the digital society.
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