Outdoor Single-Mode Fiber Optic Cable

Outdoor Single-Mode Fiber Optic Cable is a high-performance, ruggedized transmission medium engineered for long-haul, high-bandwidth data communication in external environments. Designed in compliance with ITU-T G.652.D and G.657.A1 standards, this cable utilizes a 9/125 µm core/cladding geometry to transmit infrared laser signals (1310 nm and 1550 nm) with minimal signal attenuation and virtually zero modal dispersion. It is the backbone of modern telecommunications, metropolitan area networks (MANs), fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) distribution, and industrial campus backbones.

Construction & Design Features

This cable is built to withstand the harshest outdoor conditions while maintaining optical integrity. Its layered construction includes:

Optical Core: A precision-drawn germanium-doped silica glass core with an ultra-low water peak (OS2), ensuring full spectral operation from 1260 nm to 1625 nm.

Primary Coating: Dual-layer UV-cured acrylate coating that protects the glass from micro-bending losses during temperature fluctuations.

Strength Members: Aramid yarns or glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) rods that provide exceptional tensile strength (up to 2700 N) and resistance to rodent bites.

Water-Blocking Layer: Dry water-swellable tape or thixotropic compound that prevents longitudinal water migration, ensuring performance even in flooded ducts.

Outer Sheath: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) jacket, available in black with UV stabilization. For armored variants, a corrugated steel tape is added between the inner and outer sheath for maximum crush and impact protection.

Cable Variants
Common configurations include:

Loose Tube: 2–24 fibers per tube, gel-filled or dry-core, ideal for direct burial and duct installation.

Central Core: Up to 12 fibers in a tight-buffered arrangement, suitable for indoor/outdoor transitions.

Ribbon: 12–288 fibers in a flat ribbon stack, optimized for high-density splicing and mass fusion.

Key Application Advantages

FAQ

Q1: What is the maximum transmission distance for this outdoor single-mode cable without a repeater?
A1: At 1310 nm, the typical loss budget supports up to 80 km for 10 GbE links. At 1550 nm with an amplifier, distances can exceed 120 km for standard G.652.D, and up to 400 km with Raman amplification and forward error correction (FEC). Actual range depends on splice points, connector loss, and system power budget.

Q2: Is this cable suitable for aerial installation between utility poles?
A2: Yes, but only when specified with an integral metallic or dielectric messenger (e.g., ADSS – All-Dielectric Self-Supporting). Our standard loose-tube cable requires a separate steel messenger wire or lashed suspension. For direct aerial use, we recommend our ADSS variant, which is designed for span lengths up to 150 m.

Q3: Can I run this cable inside a building after outdoor burial?
A3: Yes, but you must transition using a termination box or splice enclosure. The outdoor jacket (HDPE) is not fire-retardant (does not meet UL 910 or IEC 60332-3). For indoor riser/plenum spaces, please use our breakout cable or a flame-retardant indoor-outdoor transition cable at the building entry point.

Q4: How does the water-blocking technology work if the jacket is accidentally cut?
A4: Our cable uses a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) tape that swells upon contact with moisture, forming a gel-like barrier that fills the interstices within 30 seconds. This prevents water from traveling more than 3 meters from the breach, protecting splices and connectors further down the line. It also allows for dry-core splicing – no messy cleaning solvents are required.

Q5: What is the difference between OS2 and OM5 multimode fiber for outdoor use?
A5: OS2 is a single-mode fiber with a 9 µm core, designed for distances >10 km and wavelengths ≥1310 nm. OM5 is a multimode fiber with a 50 µm core, optimized for short distances (<550 m) at 850–950 nm using VCSEL lasers. For outdoor campus and WAN links, OS2 is mandatory due to its much lower attenuation and dispersion; OM5 is strictly an indoor/data-center solution.

Ordering Information
Available in standard reel lengths of 2 km, 4 km, or customized continuous lengths. Each reel is shipped with a factory test report including OTDR traces, attenuation values, and polarization mode dispersion (PMD) measurements.

For detailed datasheets, installation guidelines, or custom armor/connector options, please contact our technical sales team. This cable is not just a wire – it is the silent, reliable conduit for your digital future.

Key attributes