TABLE OF CONTENTS Optical cables are essential elements of an optical communications link. In addition to providing protection to the optical fibers contained within the cable, the construction of an optical cable determines whether it can withstand the environments in which it will be used. If engineers select the wrong cable configuration, the cost of retrofitting installed cable can be prohibitively high (and afterward the engineers may be told to seek employment elsewhere). When a circuit card fails or an equipment rack needs replacement, it is a fairly straightforward process to enter an equipment room to remove the items and put in new ones. Optical cables, on the other hand, cannot be replaced easily without undergoing major disruptive digging or having huge piles or spools of cables lying in the way in hallways or on sidewalks. This chapter addresses cabling design considerations, cable types for diverse applications, and installation methods in different environments.
Cabling of optical fibers involves enclosing them within some type of protective structure. The cable structure will vary greatly depending on whether the cable is to be pulled or blown into underground or intrabuilding tubes (called ducts), buried directly in the ground, installed on outdoor poles, or placed underwater. Different cable configurations are required for each type of application, but certain fundamental cable design principles will apply in every case. The objectives of cable manufacturers have been that the optical fiber cables should be installable with the same type of equipment, installation techniques, and precautions...
