Armored Single-mode Fiber Optic Cable – Detailed Product Overview
The Armored Single-mode Fiber Optic Cable is a ruggedized transmission medium designed for harsh environments where standard optical cables would fail. It combines the low-loss, high-bandwidth characteristics of single‑mode glass fibers (typically ITU‑T G.652.D or G.657.A1) with a protective metallic armor layer – usually corrugated steel tape or interlocking aluminum/steel wire – embedded between the inner buffer and the outer jacket. This construction provides exceptional mechanical resilience while preserving the intrinsic advantages of single‑mode transmission: minimal chromatic dispersion and virtually unlimited bandwidth potential over long spans (up to 100 km or more without regeneration).
Construction & Design
At its core, the cable contains one or more single‑mode fibers coated with a primary acrylic buffer. These fibers are loosely housed in a water‑blocking gel‑filled loose tube or tight‑buffer configuration, depending on the application. Over the tube, a strength member (aramid yarn or glass‑reinforced plastic) provides tensile resistance. The critical armor layer – a continuous, welded stainless‑steel or galvanized‑steel tape – is applied helically or longitudinally, offering crush resistance up to 3000 N/10 cm and impact protection exceeding 20 J. An outer polyethylene (PE) or low‑smoke zero‑halogen (LSZH) sheath resists UV, moisture, and chemical corrosion. Optional fire‑retardant ratings (OFNR, OFNP) are available for indoor riser or plenum installations.
Key Features
Superior mechanical strength – Withstands rodent gnawing, accidental digging, and heavy vehicle pressure, making it ideal for direct burial, duct, and submarine landing applications.
Wide temperature range – Operates from –40 °C to +85 °C, ensuring stable performance in deserts, arctic zones, or industrial furnaces.
Low attenuation – Typical loss ≤0.35 dB/km at 1310 nm and ≤0.25 dB/km at 1550 nm, with polarization mode dispersion (PMD) ≤0.06 ps/√km.
High tensile load – Up to 1500 N (short‑term) and 600 N (long‑term), facilitating pulling through congested conduits.
Water blocking – Dry‑water‑blocking tape or gel prevents moisture ingress, enhancing longevity even under flooded conditions.
Primary Applications
Long‑haul backbone networks – Telecom carriers use armored single‑mode cables for inter‑city and submarine links, where reliability trumps cost.
Industrial Ethernet & fieldbus – In oil & gas rigs, mining sites, and steel mills, the armor protects against vibration, debris, and electromagnetic interference (EMI).
FTTA (Fiber‑to‑the‑Antenna) – For 5G base stations, the cable connects remote radio units to the central office, surviving outdoor exposure and wind‑induced flexing.
Military and aerospace – Deployable tactical systems demand lightweight yet bullet‑resistant cables for rapid communication.
Data centers – When routing between buildings or across raised floors, armored cables prevent accidental severance during equipment moves.
Competitive Advantages
Compared to non‑armored alternatives, this cable drastically reduces maintenance costs by eliminating breakage from wildlife and construction activities. Its single‑mode core supports DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) with up to 160 channels, future‑proofing network capacity. The armor also acts as a metallic shield, draining static charges and providing grounding, which is critical in lightning‑prone regions. Despite the added protection, the cable remains flexible – minimum bend radius is only 20× the cable diameter (installed) and 10× under tension – allowing easy routing around tight corners. Moreover, the outer jacket can be custom‑colored and imprinted with length markers for simple identification and cut‑length planning. Overall, it offers an unmatched balance of durability, transmission performance, and lifecycle economy – typically paying back its premium within 12 months through reduced outage losses.
Key attributes
|
Brand Name |
Sheng Tang |
Model Number |
armoured single mode fiber optic cable GYXTW |
|
Type |
Outdoor Fiber Optic Cable |
Place of Origin |
Guangdong, China |
|
Number of Conductors |
≥ 10 |
Core | 2-12cores |
| Fiber Type | SM/ MM | Strength member | steel wire |
| Temperature range | -40~+60℃ | MOQ | 2Kilometer |
| Port | GUANGZHOU |
Application |
outdoor/aerial/duct |
| Place of Origin | Guangdong, China (Mainland) |
|
|
Packaging and delivery
| Selling Units | Single item | Single package size | 70X70X55 cm |
| Single gross weight | 0.070 kg |
Lead time
| Quantity (meters) | 1 - 1000 | 1001 - 50000 | 50001 - 300000 | > 300000 |
| Lead time (days) | 7 | 12 | 25 | To be negotiated |
Customization options
| Option | Min. order: | Customization fee |
|
Customized logo As requested |
1000 meters | -- |
|
Customized packaging As requested |
1000 meters | -- |
|
Graphic customization As requested |
1000 meters | -- |
Packaging & Shipping
FAQ
Q1: Can I use armored single‑mode fiber outdoors and indoors without splicing?
Yes, if you select a cable with an LSZH or fire‑rated jacket (e.g., OFNR) and ensure the armor is properly grounded at both ends. However, for plenum spaces, a special low‑smoke rating is required; always check local building codes.
Q2: What connectors are compatible with this cable?
The cable itself is connector‑agnostic – it terminates with standard SC, LC, ST, or MPO connectors using fusion splicing or mechanical splice‑on connectors. The armor does not affect connector choice, but we recommend armored pigtails for transition points.
Q3: How does the armor affect the cable's bend sensitivity?
While the armor adds stiffness, modern single‑mode fibers (G.657.A2) tolerate bends as tight as 7.5‑mm radius. The cable's minimum recommended bend radius is typically 20× outer diameter during installation – always refer to the datasheet. Excessive bending may degrade armor integrity but rarely damages the fiber itself.
Q4: Is the cable waterproof for direct burial in wet soil?
Absolutely. The combination of water‑blocking gel/swellable tape and the sealed metallic armor provides a fully watertight barrier. For extended submersion (e.g., river crossings), we offer additional polyethylene‑sheathed variants with enhanced moisture resistance.
Q5: What is the typical price premium over standard single‑mode cable?
Armored cables cost roughly 30–50% more than unarmored equivalents, depending on armor material and fiber count. However, the total cost of ownership is significantly lower due to reduced repair, replacement, and downtime – making it the preferred choice for critical infrastructure.