What Is Armored Fiber Cable?

Armored Fiber Cable: Understanding Its Benefits and Applications

Armored fiber cable is a type of optical fiber cable that is designed with additional protective layers to enhance its durability and resistance to external factors. It provides added strength and protection to the delicate optical fibers, making it suitable for demanding environments where standard fiber cables may be susceptible to damage. In this article, we will explore what armored fiber cable is, its construction, benefits, applications, and considerations for deployment.

What is Armored Fiber Cable?

Armored fiber cable, also known as armored optical cable or fiber optic armored cable, is a fiber optic cable that incorporates additional layers of protection to safeguard the internal optical fibers. These protective layers provide increased resistance to physical damage, moisture, chemicals, rodents, and other potential hazards that can affect the performance and longevity of the cable.

Construction of Armored Fiber Cable:

2.1 Optical Fibers:

Armored fiber cables consist of one or more optical fibers that carry the data signals. The optical fibers are made of glass or plastic and are responsible for transmitting light signals over long distances.

2.2 Strength Members:

Armored fiber cables typically feature strength members, such as steel or aramid yarns (e.g., Kevlar), within the cable structure. These strength members provide additional tensile strength to the cable, protecting it from stretching or breaking under tension.

2.3 Armoring Layers:

The key feature of armored fiber cable is the presence of armoring layers. These layers are designed to shield the internal fibers from external forces and potential damage. Armoring options include:

2.3.1 Steel Tape Armoring:

Steel tape armoring involves wrapping one or multiple layers of steel tape around the cable core. The steel tape provides excellent protection against crushing, impact, and rodent attacks.

2.3.2 Steel Wire Armoring:

Steel wire armoring consists of one or more layers of steel wire helically wound around the cable core. This type of armoring offers superior protection against crushing, tensile forces, and mechanical damage.

2.3.3 Aluminum Interlocking Armoring:

Aluminum interlocking armoring involves using interlocking aluminum strips to protect the cable. This armoring type provides good flexibility while offering protection against external forces.

Benefits of Armored Fiber Cable:

3.1 Enhanced Durability:

Armored fiber cable provides increased durability and resistance to physical damage, making it suitable for harsh environments where standard cables may be prone to breakage.

3.2 Improved Protection:

The additional armoring layers protect the internal optical fibers from moisture, chemicals, UV radiation, rodents, and other potential hazards, ensuring reliable data transmission even in challenging conditions.

3.3 Increased Tensile Strength:

Armored fiber cables feature strength members that enhance their tensile strength, allowing them to withstand tension and stretching forces during installation and operation.

3.4 Flexibility and Bend Radius:

Despite the added protection, armored fiber cables maintain flexibility and have a sufficient bend radius, allowing for easy installation and routing in various environments.

3.5 Longevity and Reliability:

The robust construction of armored fiber cables ensures their longevity and reliable performance, minimizing downtime and maintenance requirements.

Applications of Armored Fiber Cable:

4.1 Industrial Environments:

Armored fiber cables are commonly used in industrial settings such as manufacturing plants, chemical facilities, and oil refineries, where the cables may be exposed to harsh conditions, chemicals, and mechanical stress.

4.2 Outdoor Installations:

Armored fiber cables are suitable for outdoor installations where the cables may be exposed to environmental elements, rodents, or accidental impacts.

4.3 Security Systems:

Armored fiber cables are often deployed in security systems, including surveillance cameras and access control systems, to ensure reliable and uninterrupted data transmission in high-security areas.

4.4 Data Centers:

Armored fiber cables can be used in data center environments to provide added protection and durability, especially in areas with high foot traffic or where cable management is challenging.

4.5 Military and Defense:

Given their ruggedness and resistance to harsh conditions, armored fiber cables are extensively used in military and defense applications where secure and reliable communication is essential.

Considerations for Deployment:

5.1 Installation Challenges:

Armored fiber cables may require specialized tools and techniques for installation due to their added layers and strength members. Installers should ensure they have the necessary expertise and equipment.

5.2 Flexibility and Bend Radius:

While armored fiber cables maintain flexibility, it is important to consider the minimum bend radius specified by the cable manufacturer to avoid signal loss or cable damage.

5.3 Cost:

Armored fiber cables are generally more expensive than standard fiber cables due to the additional protective layers and construction. The benefits of increased durability and protection must be weighed against the associated costs.

5.4 Compatibility:

When deploying armored fiber cables, compatibility with connectors, patch panels, and equipment should be considered to ensure seamless integration into the existing network infrastructure.

Conclusion:

Armored fiber cable offers a reliable and robust solution for environments that demand enhanced protection and durability for optical fiber communication. Its additional armoring layers provide resistance against physical damage, moisture, chemicals, and other hazards, making it ideal for industrial settings, outdoor installations, security systems, data centers, and military applications. By understanding the construction, benefits, applications, and considerations for deployment, network planners can make informed decisions when selecting armored fiber cables for their specific requirements, ensuring reliable and secure data transmission in challenging environments.