Abstract: The FTTH self-supporting bow-type drop cable with 7 stranded steel wire is a crucial component in the fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network. This article aims to provide a detailed explanation of this type of cable, focusing on its structure, advantages, installation process, and applications.
The FTTH self-supporting bow-type drop cable consists of several key components that work together to ensure efficient transmission and protection of optical fibers. Firstly, it features a central loose tube filled with water-blocking gel or compound to protect the optical fibers from moisture and external elements.
In addition to the loose tube, this type of cable includes seven stranded steel wires that provide excellent tensile strength and support for aerial installations. These wires are carefully arranged around the central loose tube in a bow-shaped configuration.
To further enhance durability and resistance against environmental factors such as UV radiation and temperature fluctuations, an outer sheath made from high-quality materials like polyethylene (PE) or low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) is applied over the entire structure.
The use of FTTH self-supporting bow-type drop cables offers several advantages compared to traditional fiber optic cables:
a) Easy Installation: The design of this cable eliminates the need for additional support structures such as messenger wires or brackets during aerial installations. This significantly simplifies installation processes while reducing costs.
b) High Tensile Strength: The inclusion of seven stranded steel wires provides exceptional tensile strength, allowing for longer spans between supporting structures without compromising signal quality or risking damage due to excessive tension.
c) Space Efficiency: The compact design ensures efficient use of space when deploying these cables in crowded environments such as urban areas where available space may be limited.
The installation process for FTTH self-supporting bow-type drop cables involves several steps:
Cable Preparation: Begin by carefully removing any excess sheathing material from both ends using appropriate tools like fiber strippers or scissors while ensuring not to damage any internal components such as optical fibers or water-blocking gel/compound within the loose tube. Fiber Splicing: Once prepared, splice connectors onto each end using fusion splicing techniques or mechanical connectors depending on specific requirements. Aerial Deployment: Determine suitable attachment points along existing infrastructure (e.g., utility poles), ensuring proper tension control by utilizing pre-determined sag values provided by manufacturers. Termination at Customer Premises: Finally, terminate one end at an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), typically located inside customer premises near termination points like wall outlets.The versatility offered by FTTH self-supporting bow-type drop cables makes them ideal for various applications within residential areas as well as commercial settings:
Aerial Installations: Due to their unique design featuring built-in support capabilities through stranded steel wires, these cables are commonly used in aerial deployments where overhead lines are required. Buried Installations:This type can also be buried underground when necessary thanks to its robust construction that provides protection against moisture ingress and other external factors. Rural Deployments:This solution is particularly useful in rural areas where long spans between supporting structures are common due to lower population density. In conclusion, the FTTH self-supporting bow-type drop cable with 7 stranded steel wire offers numerous benefits including easy installation, high tensile strength, space efficiency, and versatile applications across different scenarios making it an excellent choice for modern fiber optic networks