How much do you know about overhead optical cables in the field of telecommunications?

Nowadays, overhead optical cables have quietly integrated into every corner of our lives as a regular feature in the field of optical communications. The cables you see hanging on utility poles are their visible presence. Given their long-term exposure to harsh outdoor environments and the need to withstand wind and rain, the materials used to manufacture overhead optical cables must be exceptionally strong and durable to ensure stable signal transmission. To meet diverse overhead needs, the market offers various designs of overhead optical cables, each carefully crafted to suit different application scenarios. This article aims to unveil the mysteries of overhead optical cables and provide you with a deeper understanding of this important communication medium.

What is an overhead optical cable?

Overhead optical cables, as a type of excellent insulating transmission medium, incorporate the optical fibers needed for telecommunications networks and elegantly span between utility poles and towering power towers. Their uniqueness lies in their ability to remain securely suspended, even when bound with thin wires to tough steel wire rope hangers, showcasing remarkable adaptability. These carefully tensioned strands not only firmly support the weight of the optical cable across vast spaces but also withstand the challenges of harsh weather—whether covered in ice, blanketed in snow, drenched by rain, or battered by strong winds, they remain unscathed.

From the initial design phase, the aim is to minimize the stress on the optical cables while ensuring the secure suspension of the hangers and cables, creating a solid foundation for communication security. The construction of overhead optical cables combines the toughness of heavy-duty sheaths with the strength of metallic or aramid components, providing exceptional mechanical strength and environmental adaptability. High tensile strength, lightweight structure, convenient installation processes, and economical costs together make overhead optical cables an indispensable part of modern communication infrastructure.

Types of Overhead Optical Cables

Based on their unique installation methods, overhead optical cables are cleverly divided into two main categories: self-supporting and catenary.

Self-supporting Overhead Optical Cables: This type of cable achieves self-support through its built-in insulated steel or fully insulated messenger structure, eliminating the need for additional support. Representative products include All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) cables and the distinctive figure-8 cables. ADSS cables, being entirely dielectric, contain no metallic elements, making them safe to install parallel to power lines, especially in lightning-prone areas. The figure-8 self-supporting cable uses steel strands for its suspension wire, exhibiting the robust characteristics of metal. Its design is ingenious, with the central strength member optionally being steel wire or high-strength FRP material, ensuring structural stability and durability. In contrast, non-self-supporting overhead optical cables rely on external suspension wires to remain securely aloft.

Catenary overhead optical cables, widely used in outdoor environments as a type of loose tube cable, are flexibly bound to sturdy suspension wires or hung alongside other cables (especially common in CATV systems), collaboratively forming an efficient and reliable communication network.

Based on the unique structure and materials of overhead optical cables, they can be further divided into three mainstream types: GYTC8S, GYXTC8S, and GYXTC8Y.

GYXTC8S, optimized for long-distance communication in aerial environments, boasts exceptional mechanical strength and environmental adaptability, performing excellently in various complex conditions. The combination of the built-in corrugated steel tape and the outer PE sheath forms an indestructible barrier against external pressure, effectively protecting the internal optical fibers. Additionally, the meticulously designed water-blocking system significantly enhances its waterproof capabilities, ensuring stable operation in humid or rainy conditions. GYXTC8S is also renowned for its small cable diameter, facilitating easy installation and wiring while effectively saving space. Its low dispersion and attenuation characteristics ensure clear and stable signal transmission over long distances, providing users with a high-quality communication experience.

GYXTC8Y, a lightweight self-supporting cable meticulously crafted for long-distance communication, features a unique figure-8 cross-sectional design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also demonstrates exceptional adaptability in overhead environments. Whether directly installed in the air, through ducts, or buried underground, it performs flawlessly. The cable includes a hydrolysis-resistant high-strength loose tube, effectively combating environmental erosion to ensure the long-term performance of the optical fibers. GYXTC8Y is also renowned for its excellent mechanical strength and weather resistance, providing robust support for data transmission. Its small cable diameter facilitates easy installation and maintenance, reducing material costs. Additionally, its low dispersion and attenuation characteristics ensure clear and stable signal transmission. The medium-density polyethylene (PE) sheath covering the cable enhances its overall strength and provides low-friction installation properties, making the installation process smoother and more efficient.

Among them, GYTC8S stands out as a model of self-supporting outdoor cables, adept not only at meeting the challenges of overhead installation but also easily adapting to various applications such as ducts and direct burial. Its excellent mechanical performance and environmental adaptability stem from its meticulously designed structure: the steel wire reinforcement provides high tensile strength, ensuring the cable remains stable under various tension conditions; the combination of corrugated steel tape and PE outer sheath effectively enhances compressive performance, offering a solid protective barrier for the cable; and the built-in water-blocking system significantly improves its waterproof capabilities, making the cable resistant to weather erosion. Additionally, GYTC8S is renowned for its small diameter, low dispersion, and attenuation characteristics, ensuring clear and efficient data transmission.

Application Scenarios

Urban Communication: Used for building communication networks within cities, especially in areas with complex terrain or high construction difficulty.

Rural and Remote Areas: In these regions, overhead optical cables are an economical and effective way to build communication networks.

Power Systems: Utilizing existing power poles and towers for cable installation to save costs.

Overhead optical cables ingeniously utilize existing aerial utility poles for installation, significantly reducing construction costs and greatly shortening project timelines, demonstrating high economic efficiency and effectiveness. Additionally, they are particularly well-suited for areas with flat terrain and minimal elevation changes, enabling stable and efficient information transmission in these environments and providing strong support for the construction of communication networks.