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Aerial fiber optic cable installation is complicated and time-consuming on account of considerations on natural destruction and man-made damages before installation. No matter what type of aerial fiber cable is, the cable installation procedure is similar. The following steps will teach you how to install aerial fiber cables:

Installation Guide to Aerial Fiber Optic Cables 

Pre-Construction Preparations

Before starting the installation, the following preparation items must be done to ensure the whole installation procedures go on wheels.

A Pre-survey—planning the cable route, which will determine the aerial cable installation method to be used, as well as the equipment and material requirements.

Installation Issues—investigating the conditions of the ground along the route, including clearance problems over roadways, driveways, trees or other obstructions, etc.

Splice Locations—selecting splice locations allows verification of the transmission design and makes preparation for cable order lengths, making sure that the locations won't lie in sites where access is inconvenient or hazardous.

Aerial Fiber Optic Cable Installation Procedures

Two typical methods for aerial fiber optic cable installation—moving reel method and stationary reel method. Here are the basic steps for these two installation methods.

Deploying Aerial Fiber Optic Cable With a Moving Reel Method

Deploying aerial fiber optic cable using the moving reel method involves a continuous process of unspooling the cable from a moving reel mounted on a specialized vehicle. This method is commonly used when installing fiber optic cables along long distances, such as over large spans of open land or across bodies of water.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how the moving reel method is typically employed:

1.Planning and survey: Before deploying the fiber optic cable, a thorough survey of the installation route is conducted to identify potential obstacles, such as trees, buildings, or other structures. The route should be carefully planned to ensure the cable is placed at the desired height and properly supported.

2.Cable reel preparation: The fiber optic cable is wound onto a large reel, ensuring it is properly aligned and secured to prevent tangles or damage during deployment. The reel is mounted on a specialized vehicle equipped with mechanisms to control the tension and speed of cable unwinding.

3.Vehicle setup: The vehicle carrying the cable reel is prepared for deployment. This may involve attaching guide rollers or aerial brackets to ensure proper cable alignment and support during installation.

4.Starting the deployment: The vehicle begins moving along the planned installation route, typically at a controlled speed. The cable is unwound from the reel, passing through the guide rollers or aerial brackets, which help keep it elevated and aligned properly.

5.Cable tension and slack control: It's crucial to maintain appropriate tension throughout the installation process to prevent excessive sagging or tightness. Tensioning devices on the vehicle help control the cable's tension and minimize slack.

6.Support structures: Along the installation route, support structures such as poles or towers are used to secure the fiber optic cable at regular intervals. These structures provide additional support and maintain the desired cable height.

7.Splicing and termination: As the cable is being deployed, it may need to be spliced together with additional lengths or connected to termination points. These splicing and termination processes usually occur at predetermined intervals, typically at splice closures or distribution points.

8.Testing and verification: Once the installation is complete, the fiber optic cable is tested to ensure its integrity and optimal performance. Specialized equipment is used to measure signal loss and detect any potential issues.

It's important to note that deploying aerial fiber optic cable using the moving reel method requires trained professionals with experience in fiber optic installation. Additionally, local regulations and safety standards should be followed to ensure a successful and reliable deployment.

Deploying Aerial Fiber Optic Cable With Stationary Reel Method

The stationary reel method is generally used when the cable is installed above the existing lateral cable and other obstructions. The types of vehicles and available placing equipment will also depend on whether to use this method or not.

The deployment procedure is as follows:

Step 1: Install a series of temporary cable supports, chutes, or tangent blocks at each pole along the route.

Step 2: Then, a pull line is threaded through the cable supports and attached to the outside of the cable using a breakaway swivel and a cable pulling grip. It is then used to pull the cable through the cable blocks into position.

Step 3: If the cable is pulled with a winch, the pulling rope or winch line must be installed through the cable supports. A non-metallic rope or winch line should then be used to pull the cable.

Step 4: When the installation tension exceeds the maximum rated cable load (MRCL), the pulling winch should be calibrated to stop the operation. A dynamometer with an audible alarm or visual display should be used to monitor installation tension in case this type of winch isn't available.

Step 5: After the cable has been pulled into its final position, with slack for building access or for splicing, the cable should be tensioned until the correct sag level is reached. Then it should be terminated at each dead-end pole along the route.

Post-Construction Inspection

Work doesn't finish completely after aerial fiber optic cable installation. Post-construction inspection is also important for a successful cable deployment. Check the following items to examine whether your installation is successful.

1. Before splicing, inspect the aerial cable plant thoroughly, especially pay attention to the exact location of all splice points.

2. Presence of kinked or damaged cable.

3. Improperly installed or missing drip loops.

4. Improperly installed or missing grounds.

Aerial fiber optic cable solutions involve deploying fiber optic cables on above-ground infrastructure, such as utility poles or suspension cables. This method offers several advantages and considerations when compared to buried cable or fiber in-duct solutions. Here are some key points to consider:

Advantages of Aerial Fiber Optic Cable Solution:

1.Cost-Effective: Aerial deployment can be more cost-effective compared to burying cables underground or installing them in underground ducts. The labor and materials  required for excavation and burial are eliminated, reducing installation costs.

2.Faster Deployment: Aerial installation typically requires less time compared to underground methods. Existing infrastructure, such as utility poles, can be leveraged, saving time on ground preparation and trenching.

3.Easy Maintenance: Aerial fiber optic cables are easily accessible, simplifying maintenance and repairs. Technicians can quickly reach and troubleshoot issues, leading to faster resolution times and minimized service disruptions.

4.Scalability: Aerial solutions can be easily expanded by adding additional cables to existing infrastructure. This flexibility allows for future capacity upgrades and network expansion without significant disruption.

5.Flexibility in Terrain: Aerial deployment is well-suited for areas with challenging terrain, such as rocky or hilly landscapes, where burying cables may be difficult or impractical.

6.Reduced Environmental Impact: Aerial solutions have a lower environmental impact as they avoid extensive excavation and disturbance of the ground. This can be advantageous in environmentally sensitive areas.

Considerations for Aerial Fiber Optic Cable Solution:

1.Vulnerability to External Factors: Aerial cables are exposed to the elements and are susceptible to damage from severe weather conditions, such as high winds, ice storms, or falling trees. Adequate protection measures, such as armored or ruggedized cables, are necessary to mitigate these risks.

2.Regulatory Compliance: Aerial deployments may require adherence to specific regulations and permits, especially when utilizing existing utility infrastructure. Compliance with safety standards and coordination with utility companies is crucial.

3.Limited Span Length: Aerial cables have limitations on the maximum span length between support structures, such as utility poles. Longer spans may require additional support structures, increasing installation complexity and costs.

4.Aesthetic Considerations: Aerial installations may be subject to aesthetic concerns, particularly in urban or residential areas. Efforts to minimize visual impact and ensure compliance with local regulations are important.

It's essential to evaluate the specific requirements, constraints, and objectives of a project when considering the suitability of an aerial fiber optic cable solution. Factors such as cost, deployment speed, accessibility, scalability, terrain, and regulatory considerations should all be taken into account to make an informed decision.