Outdoor Fiber Optic Cable Types: Everything You Need to Know

Outdoor fiber optic cables are the lifeblood of modern telecommunications, designed to transmit data across long distances while enduring tough environmental conditions. From harsh weather to physical threats like rodents, these cables must withstand it all while maintaining consistent signal quality. In this guide, we’ll break down the major types of outdoor fiber optic cables, their features, applications, and some of Blackstone’s high-performance products.

Loose Tube Cable

Loose tube cables, like Blackstone’s BSCF-OM2-2C-LSZH, are among the most common types of outdoor fiber optic cables. They are constructed with buffer tubes that enclose the optical fibers, often filled with water-blocking gel to prevent moisture ingress. These cables are ideal for high-humidity environments where exposure to water is a concern.

The loose design of these cables allows the optical fibers to move freely inside the tube, providing stability even in extreme temperatures, ranging from -40°C to +70°C. This flexibility makes them perfect for both outdoor conduits and transitions between outdoor and indoor installations.

Key Features:

• Water-blocking gel for moisture protection
• Flexible design for handling temperature fluctuations
• Ideal for high-humidity environments and outdoor-to-indoor transitions
• Crush-resistant exteriors for rugged conditions

Micro Cable

Micro cables, such as Blackstone’s BSLTDMOM224BL-PE, offer a more compact solution while retaining the key benefits of traditional loose tube cables. With a diameter of just 1-2mm, these cables are significantly smaller and lighter, making them ideal for dense network installations where space is limited.

They are 50% smaller and 70% lighter than standard loose tube cables, allowing them to fit into congested conduits easily. Micro cables are commonly used in local area networks (LANs), fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), and fiber-to-the-office (FTTO) installations, delivering high fiber density without compromising on performance.

Salient Specifications:

• 50% smaller and 70% lighter than standard cables
• High fiber density with diameters as small as 1-2mm
• Common in LANs, FTTH, and FTTO networks

Ribbon Cable

Ribbon cables, like Blackstone’s BSDBOM4242BL-PE, bundle multiple optical fibers side by side in a flat ribbon design. This configuration maximizes space efficiency and fiber density, making these cables highly useful for both indoor and outdoor applications. Ribbon cables are particularly valued for their low-latency capabilities, as the fibers are arranged closely together.

Installation is simplified with ribbon cables, as entire ribbons can be spliced together, allowing for quick and easy maintenance. These cables are often used in high-density network environments and offer excellent protection against environmental threats.

Major Merits:

• High fiber density in a low-profile design
• Compatible with multi-fiber connectors
• Efficient space utilization and simplified cable management
• Suitable for both outdoor and indoor applications

Armored Cable

When durability and protection are key, armored cables like Blackstone’s BSADBOM124BL-PE are the top choice. These cables have an additional metal jacket to protect the optical fibers from harsh environmental conditions, physical impacts, and rodents.

There are two main types of armoring:

• Interlocking Armor: Features helical aluminum sheaths for 360° mechanical protection, ideal for environments with heavy compression or potential crushing hazards.
• Corrugated Armor: Provides longitudinal steel protection, offering excellent resistance against rodent damage and physical wear.

Key Benefits:

• Extra metal jacket for enhanced protection
• Interlocking and corrugated armor options
• Ideal for areas exposed to physical hazards or rodent activity

Figure-8 Cable

Designed for aerial installations, figure-8 cables like Blackstone’s BSAF1OM132BL-PE feature a self-supporting structure that includes an integrated messenger wire. This unique design allows the cable to span long distances between utility poles without needing a separate support system.

These cables are highly resistant to environmental stressors, including UV radiation, wind, and extreme temperatures. Their figure-8 design prevents the accumulation of ice and debris, making them ideal for overhead installations in harsh outdoor environments.

Key Qualities:

• Integrated messenger wire for self-support
• Resistant to UV radiation, wind, and temperature extremes
• Suitable for overhead installations between poles

Duct Cable

Duct cables are designed for underground installations where they are pulled through conduits or ducts. Blackstone’s BSLTDMOM224BL-PE is an example of a duct cable that can handle the physical stresses of being pulled over long distances while maintaining the integrity of the optical fibers.

These cables are typically constructed with tough polyethylene jackets that resist water and chemical ingress. Duct cables are a great choice for large-scale infrastructure projects, such as underground telecom networks.

Common Specifications:

• High tensile strength for long-distance pulling
• Water-resistant polyethylene jacketing
• Ideal for underground conduit installations

Drop Cable

Drop cables are used to connect the main fiber network to individual homes or buildings. They are a crucial component of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) or fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) installations. These cables are smaller and lighter than backbone cables, making them easy to install in tight spaces.

Key Features:

• Low fiber count, typically 2 to 12 fibers
• Suitable for short distances (up to 80 meters)
• Weatherproof jacketing for outdoor use

Hybrid Cable

Hybrid cables combine optical fibers with copper conductors, allowing them to transmit both data and power in a single cable. This dual-purpose design makes them a cost-effective solution for applications like powering remote devices or supporting fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) networks.

Use Cases:

• Powering remote devices like wireless access points
• Fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) networks and 5G deployments
• Smart lighting and traffic management systems

All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) Cable

ADSS cables are non-metallic, making them ideal for installations near power lines where electrical interference is a concern. These cables are lightweight but strong, capable of spanning up to 5,000 feet without the need for additional support.

Specifications:

• Non-metallic design for interference-free installations
• Supports long-distance aerial spans
• UV-resistant and weatherproof outer sheath

Optical Ground Wire (OPGW)

OPGW cables are a hybrid that combines optical fiber communication with electrical grounding. They are typically used in high-voltage power line installations, providing both communication capabilities and lightning protection.

Functions:

• Acts as both a communication and grounding cable
• Protects against lightning strikes
• Commonly used in high-voltage power grids

Conclusion

Outdoor fiber optic cables are designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern communications infrastructure. Whether you're installing cables across long distances or connecting homes in an FTTH network, choosing the right type of cable ensures long-term performance and reliability. Blackstone's outdoor fiber optic cables, including BSCF-OM2-2C-LSZH, BSLTDMOM224BL-PE, BSDBOM4242BL-PE, BSADBOM124BL-PE, and BSAF1OM132BL-PE, are engineered to provide the durability and performance needed to meet today’s high-speed data transmission demands.