Several Types Of Communication Optical Cables

1. Ribbon cable

The use of optical fiber cables is becoming increasingly popular, and they typically consist of various single optical fibers that are colored, stacked together in a ribbon formation, and arranged in two layers. Optical fibers come in two types - encapsulated and edge-bonded - and they are very thin. Ribbon bands can be made up of 4, 8, 12, or 16 fibers, and they are evenly spaced with a distance of either 0.28mm or 0.3mm, depending on the number of fibers in the band. The ribbon bands are also required to have a certain level of flatness in the vertical direction to ensure that deviations are kept minimal, usually 30, 40, or 50um. This allows for easier fusion splicing and splicing, and also ensures that the fibers are arranged in an orderly fashion. The small size of the optical fiber ribbon makes it possible to improve the density of optical fiber assemblies in the cable, and it can provide a large number of cores, ranging from 320 to 3456 cores. This is particularly useful for the development of optical fiber access networks, which are currently experiencing rapid growth.

2. All-dielectric self-supporting optical cable

The ADSS (All Dielectric Self-Supporting Optical Fiber Cable) optical cable is a type of cable that uses aramid yarn and glass fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) rather than metal for its tensile strength. This makes it ideal for use in settings where strong electrical currents are present, such as power and railway communication systems. It is also commonly used in large-span occasions such as crossing rivers or navigating complex terrain. The ADSS fiber optic cable is resistant to power failure, track wear, and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. Its construction does not require power to be shut down, making it a preferred choice for industries where operations cannot be interrupted.

3. Ground wire composite optical cable

The OPGW, also referred to as the optical fiber composite overhead ground wire, is a unique type of ground wire used in power transmission lines. This innovative ground wire contains optical fiber units intended for communication purposes. The OPGW optical cable achieves both mechanical and electrical properties in the ground wire, even with the additional installation of the optical fibers. The optical fiber units that are incorporated into the ground wire need to be adequately protected from damage. The OPGW optical cable is available in a lead skeleton design, stainless steel tube type, and even submarine optical cable type.

4. Submarine cable

The underwater optical cable has versatile applications, whether in shallow or deep sea environments. This remarkable cable possesses several key attributes. Firstly, it is designed to withstand immense hydrostatic pressure, wherein every 10-meter increase in depth adds an additional ton of pressure. Moreover, it can endure the considerable drag force encountered during the cable's deployment process.

Secondly, the cable's construction includes measures to prevent hydrogen infiltration into the fiber. Extensive research has proven that hydrogen can cause undesirable attenuation in the optical fiber. Consequently, great care has been taken to safeguard against this.

Thirdly, this impressive cable boasts an exceptional span length. Within the submarine cable, the optical fiber units are ingeniously placed at the core of the cable, rather than encased within a specialized stainless steel tube. Surrounding the central optical fibers are arched steel wires of exceptional strength. Additionally, a copper pipe encases the steel wire layer, fulfilling the dual purpose of remote supply and prevention of micro/macro bending during cable laying operations. To provide further protection, an outer sheath is extruded over the cable. In instances where extra defense is required from potential threats such as sharp objects or even shark bites, the cable can be securely pinned.

In my country, there have been successful endeavors in landing inter-oceanic submarine cables in prominent locations like Qingdao, Shanghai, and Shantou. These developments have contributed significantly to enhancing connectivity and communication capabilities across vast oceanic expanses.