Abstract: Smaller, lighter All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) cables are enabled by reduced diameter optical fiber to allow faster FTTx installation. This paper will focus on ADSS cables incorporating up to 288 fibers having a span capability of approximately 60 m for deployment in FTTx networks.
Conventional ADSS optical fiber cables incorporate fairly large buffer tubes and make use of standard ITU-T G.652.D fibers of 245μm diameter. The maximum fiber count of conventional ADSS cables in South Africa is 144 fibers and such cables are substantial in diameter and weight. Smaller, lighter cables can be achieved through the use of ITU-T G.657.A1 and G.652.D compliant, bend-tolerant fiber featuring a reduced fiber diameter of 200μm.
The operational advantages of the smaller, lighter cables include faster deployment with significantly fewer returns due to failures caused by inappropriate storage of slack lengths of buffer tubes in tight bends within closures. In addition, 200μm fiber enables the generation of an ADSS cable with total fiber count increased from 144 to 288, enabling much greater network capacity.
