Fiber Optic Drop Cable Update

We’ve Got the Drop (Cable) On You

Investment from the federal government and demand for fiber Internet due to the pandemic, has shifted the focus of carrier-grade networks from serving the metro, to finally building largely in rural areas. The race to push fiber optics as close to the customer as possible has spawned a fiber cable gold rush that is starting to strain manufacturing and impact lead times.

Basics of FTTH Drop Cable

Drop cable is typically the fiber of choice to support FTTH networks. It runs from the distribution point or cable to the subscriber/user. They are small diameter, low fiber count cables with limited unsupported span lengths, which can be installed aerially, underground or buried. Drop cables are available in many different types.

Flat Type Drop Cable consists of a polyethylene jacket, several fibers and two dielectric strength members to give high crush resistance and tensile strength. Service drop cable usually contains one or two fibers, however, drop cable with fiber counts up to 24 are available. Flat drop is super versatile as it may be self-supported aerially, placed in duct and direct buried. Some users want to treat flat drop like it is ADSS and try to stretch the span lengths, but there are some strategies and alternative products that can help. Pay careful attention to the Sag and Tension tables provided by the cable manufacturers. Flat drop is also available with a co-extruded tone wire for easy locating purposes, and these cables can be obtained in bulk or pre-connectorized for convenience.

Round Drop Cable usually contains a single bend-insensitive fiber buffered and surrounded by aramid strength members in an indoor/outdoor UV resistant outer jacket. These cables are available in bulk or pre-connectorized for use with jumpers to the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) in the home, or throughout Multiple Dwelling Units (MDU). These cables provide durability and reliability in the drop segment of the network. Available in 4.8mm and 2.9mm industry standard sizes with a range of colors to suit your needs.

Blown and Pushable fiber optic cable solutions could be a viable option when availability of traditional drop cables is lacking, or project designs limit you to smaller sizes. Now that micro-trenching is more common

practice in the United States, Comstar is ready to solve for small and help you deploy with air blown or pushable fiber solutions. From closures, duct, fiber, and installation equipment, Comstar can help you get across the finish line.

Honorable mentions for drop alternatives include central tube armored fiber and figure 8 drop. While not as common, these types feature designs with proper UV rated jackets and waterblocking to ensure decades of reliable service. Remember that outdoor fiber drop should always be water blocked and have UV resistance.

 

 

Need it Pre-connectorized?

With the break-neck pace of recent deployments, field terminations are time consuming and costly with large deployments. You can still take advantage of the benefits of pre-connectorized assemblies, but we have to be smart about how your orders get fulfilled. Comstar is gearing up to provide these standard options.

Optitap® Compatible, the Corning trademark single fiber connector that started it all, is still the market leader. Despite a few competitors with alternate outdoor rated connectors, those are more difficult to find than ever. Do not box yourself into a single source supplier. Still, not many suppliers are authorized to terminate cables using Optitap® compatible connectors. Comstar is in position with those suppliers to help you maintain stable inventory to stay ahead of your installs. Standard lengths of dielectric and toneable Optitap® to stub cables are at the ready to keep your deployments moving.

 

SC-APC Cables If you’ve chosen fiber access terminals using standard SC-APC connectors, you have much more flexibility in terminal construction and availability than using Optitap® compatible terminals. However, you still have to house the connector inside an enclosure. That being said, it is still faster to deploy with at least the connector attached at the terminal side. So Comstar is stocking pre-terminated drop cables in dielectric and toneable SC-APC to stub in standard lengths to keep you moving ahead with this design as well.

 

Comstar Supply now has stock of a full range of drop cables, including buried, aerial self-supporting, and Indoor/Outdoor designs. Please contact your local sales manager to learn more today.