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Central Tube-Type Optical Cable

Fiber and communications infrastructure knowledge brief Published 08 Sep 2022

Prepared for preliminary research by the METRA knowledge desk. Confirm optical interfaces, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, thermal design and installation limits against current standards and product documentation.

Central tube-type optical cables feature a loose tube at the core that houses optical fibers, providing mechanical protection, moisture resistance, and ease of installation for indoor and outdoor applications.

Construction and Design

Central tube optical cables have a loose tube at the center that contains the optical fibers, often filled with a thixotropic water-blocking gel to protect against moisture and mechanical stress. Around the central tube, strengthening members such as steel wires or aramid yarn provide tensile strength and stability. The outer sheath, typically polyethylene, offers environmental protection against UV, abrasion, and rodents.

In armored versions, steel tape or rods enhance compressive strength and rodent resistance, making them suitable for direct-buried or aerial installations.

Fiber Protection and Identification

Fibers inside the central tube are color-coded for easy identification, following industry standards for up to 12 cores in small-count cables. Some fibers are coated with a 250-micron resin layer for additional protection, and the loose tube design isolates fibers from external mechanical stresses, ensuring stable transmission parameters. Hydrolysis-resistant materials like PBT are commonly used for the tube to resist lateral pressure and environmental degradation.

Applications

Central tube-type cables are versatile and used in: Outdoor environments: ducts, conduits, direct-buried, or lashed aerial installations Indoor/outdoor hybrid applications: campus networks, building interconnections, and local area networks Moderate fiber count connections: typically fewer than 12 cores for standard GYXTW or GYXS types Their compact, lightweight, and flexible design allows for easier handling, long-distance pulling, and installation in tight spaces.

Advantages

Mechanical and environmental protection: Loose tube and gel protect fibers from stress and moisture High tensile strength: Steel wires or aramid yarn provide stability during installation Ease of installation: Lightweight and flexible, suitable for ducts and conduits Fiber identification: Color-coded fibers simplify splicing and maintenance Armored options: Steel tape or rods enhance rodent resistance and compressive strength for direct-buried applications Central tube-type optical cables are therefore ideal for reliable, long-term fiber optic deployments in both indoor and outdoor environments, balancing protection, flexibility, and ease of installation.

Central Tube-Type Optical Cable - METRA FIBER MARKET [PDF]

Central Tube-Type Optical Cable
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Technical note

This reference is intended for preliminary fiber and communications infrastructure research. Optical interface, fiber type, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, cooling, installation limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

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