What is a Fiber Drop Cable?
Optical drop cables, also known as fiber drop cables, are widely used in various applications for short-distance optical signal transmission.
Whether inside buildings or outdoors, drop cables play a crucial role in establishing reliable connectivity.
A drop cable typically consists of a protective layer and one or more jackets, providing necessary protection and durability.
The protective layer is commonly made of materials like PVC or PE, offering resistance against wear and mechanical damage to the optical fibers.
Additional jackets, often composed of nylon or polyamide fibers, provide extra protection and enhance the cable’s durability.
Application of Drop Cable:
Fiber drop cables have a wide range of applications in FTTH deployments.
They are primarily used to connect the optical distribution point with user terminals, such as homes, offices, or commercial buildings.
Drop cables can be installed in various ways, including indoor wiring, outdoor aerial wiring, and underground wiring.
They provide high-speed, high-bandwidth fiber optic connections, enabling users to enjoy fast and reliable internet and other fiber optic services.
How to Choose Fiber Drop Cable:
Choosing the right fiber drop cable is crucial. When selecting drop cables, several factors need to be considered.
First, the type and performance of the fiber optic, such as single-mode or multimode fiber.
Additionally, the transmission distance and bandwidth requirements of the fiber need to be taken into account.
Furthermore, the specific requirements of the installation environment, such as indoor, outdoor, or underground, should be considered.
Main Types Introduce:
The main types of fiber drop cables include indoor fiber drop cables, outdoor fiber drop cables, and indoor/outdoor fiber drop cables.
Indoor fiber drop cables typically have a simple structure and are suitable for wiring within buildings.
Outdoor fiber drop cables have stronger protective layers and outer jackets to withstand harsh weather and environmental conditions.
Indoor/outdoor fiber drop cables are a combination of indoor and outdoor cables, considering both flexibility and durability.
In summary, fiber drop cables are the lifeline of FTTH networks, empowering us to experience the lightning-fast and reliable fiber optic connections that have become essential in our digital age.
These cables serve as the crucial link between the optical distribution point and our homes, offices, and commercial spaces,
enabling us to seamlessly access high-speed internet, crystal-clear voice communication and immersive multimedia experiences.
Is fiber optic drop cable reliable？
1. Strong Tensile Strength
A high-quality fiber drop cable can withstand a normal construction tension of up to 80N, a force value significantly lower than the tension experienced during actual construction. This means you can trust its strength and tensile resistance during regular construction processes.
2. Excellent Toughness
Outstanding fiber drop cable products exhibit great toughness, making them nearly impossible to cut unless unconventional methods are used.
This toughness ensures that fiber drop cables maintain their integrity, providing stable transmission performance in various construction environments.
3. Small Bending Radius
The minimum bending radius of fiber drop cables is less than 40mm, meaning that with just a little care during regular construction, the risk of breakage can be avoided.
However, it’s important to note that several factors can impact the lifespan of fiber drop cables, including:
- Long-term stress retained when the cable layout is unreasonable,
- The presence and expansion of micro-cracks on the fiber surface,
- Erosion of the fiber surface by water and water vapor molecules in the atmospheric environment.
Therefore, to ensure the lifespan of fiber drop cables, proper management of the construction process is necessary to ensure a reasonable cable layout.
To prevent damage to the fiber surface, it is important to control the cable usage environment and minimize erosion caused by water and water vapor molecules.
