How to choose the fiber optic outdoor cable for aerial?
When choosing an fiber optic outdoor cable for an aerial deployment, the most critical decision is selecting the right mechanical structure of the cable. Because aerial cables are suspended in mid-air, they are subject to constant tension, wind-loading, ice accumulation, and UV radiation.
Choosing the wrong type will lead to cable sagging, fiber breakage, or premature network failure.
To choose the right type, you must evaluate where the cable will be hung, who will install it, and the environmental loads it must endure.
To choose the right type, you must evaluate where the cable will be hung, who will install it, and the environmental loads it must endure.
The Three Main Aerial Cable Types
There are three primary types of fiber optic outdoor cables used for aerial installations. Your choice depends entirely on your pole infrastructure and labor constraints.
| Aerial Fiber Optical Cable Selection | ||
| | | | | | |
| ADSS Cable | Figure-8 Cable | Strand & Lash (GYXTW Cable) |
| (All-Dielectric) | (Integrated Messenger) | Standard Loose-Tube |
| | | | | | |
| High-voltage zones | Fast installation | Congested poles |
| Long spans (up to 1km+) | Short/Mid spans (<180m) | Highly customizable |
| Zero metal components | Built-in steel strand | Labor-intensive |
1. All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) Aerial Fiber Optic Outdoor Cable
ADSS cable is the best choice if you are routing fiber near high-voltage power lines or over long spans.
An ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting) outdoor fiber optic cable is a metal-free, high-strength aerial cable designed to be strung directly between utility poles or transmission towers without needing a separate metal messenger wire.
- How it works: It contains no metallic components. Instead, it relies on heavy-duty internal strength members—usually aramid yarns (Kevlar)—to support its own weight and environmental loads.
- When to choose it: Because it is entirely non-conductive, it can be installed in the "power space" at the top of utility poles without the risk of electrical arcing or the need for grounding. It is also highly engineered, making it the only viable option for massive spans (up to 1,000+ meters) across rivers, highways, or canyons.
- The Tradeoff: The cable itself is more expensive due to the high volume of aramid yarn, and installing it in power zones requires highly certified, expensive linemen.
2. Figure-8 Aerial Fiber Optic Outdoor Cable
Figure-8 cable is the optimal choice for rapid, cost-effective deployment in suburban or Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks.
A Figure-8 outdoor cable is a self-supporting aerial cable that combines a communication core (fiber optic or Ethernet) with an integrated steel or dielectric messenger wire in a cross-section shape resembling the number "8".
- How it works: This cable integrates a standard fiber core and a heavy-duty steel messenger strand into a single continuous outer polyethylene jacket. When viewed in a cross-section, it looks like the number "8".
- When to choose it: It eliminates the need to install a separate support strand. Technicians can pull the cable and clamp the integrated steel strand directly to the poles in a single step. It is perfect for short-to-medium spans (under 150–180 meters) where rapid deployment is favored.
- The Tradeoff: Because it contains a steel strand, it must be strictly bonded and grounded at regular intervals to protect against lightning strikes and induced voltages. It cannot be used in the high-voltage space of a pole.
3. Standard Outdoor Loose-Tube (Strand and Lash) GYXTW Aerial Fiber Optic Outdoor Cable
The strand-and-lash method is preferred in heavily congested urban communication zones or areas with severe rodent issues.
GYXTW is a compact, metal-armored outdoor central loose tube fiber optic cable designed primarily for aerial and duct/conduit installations in metropolitan, access, and campus networks.
- How it works: This is a two-step traditional method. First, a bare steel messenger wire (strand) is tensioned between the poles. Second, a standard outdoor loose-tube fiber cable is pulled along the strand and mechanically bound to it using a spinning machine that wraps lashing wire around both.
- When to choose it: This method allows you to use standard, highly protective armored cables (e.g., corrugated steel tape armor) to defend against squirrel and rodent chewing. It also allows you to easily "overlash" (add) more fiber cables to the same steel strand in the future without installing new pole hardware.
- The Tradeoff: It requires significantly more upfront labor, specialized lashing equipment, and more time on the pole compared to self-supporting options.
How to Choose the Right Aerial Optical Cable For Your Project?
To finalize which type to buy, use the following parameters to guide your procurement specification:
| Feature/Constraint | Recommended Cable Type | Reason |
| High-Voltage Proximity | ADSS | Eliminates electrical hazards and grounding requirements. |
| Severe Squirrel/Rodent Area | Armored Strand & Lash GYXTW | Corrugated steel tape armor stops animal chewing from destroying the core. |
| Tight Budget / Small Crew | Figure-8 | Saves massive labor costs by installing the support strand and fiber simultaneously. |
| Long Spans (>180 meters) | Heavy-Duty ADSS | Custom aramid yarn counts handle extreme tension across long gaps. |
Step 1: Analyze Environmental Loads (Ice & Wind)
Aerial cables must be chosen based on regional weather ratings defined by the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) or local equivalents. Freezing ice creates massive downward weight, while wind creates immense lateral drag. Ensure the manufacturer’s Maximum Rated Cable Tension (MRCT) matches or exceeds your region’s heavy, medium, or light loading zone calculations for your specific span length.
Step 2: Choose the Outer Jacket Material
Aerial cables are hit with constant sunlight. Specify a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) jacket that features heavy UV stabilization and carbon black additives. For ADSS cables placed near high-voltage lines, look for a tracking-resistant (TR) jacket material to prevent electrical discharge tracking from eating away at the plastic.
Step 3: Specify Internal Core Protection
Moisture inside an aerial cable will expand when it freezes, crushing the delicate glass fibers. Look for dry water-blocking technologies (super-absorbent powders or tapes) inside the tubes rather than traditional thick gels. Dry cables are significantly lighter—reducing pole strain—and much faster for technicians to clean and splice when hanging high up on a ladder or bucket truck.
Finally, when selecting an aerial fiber optic cable, your choice depends entirely on pole placement (proximity to power lines), span lengths, and labor budget. Because these cables are suspended mid-air, they require specific mechanical structures to withstand wind, ice, UV exposure, and physical tension.