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Fibre optic cable constructions are available in two main types – tight buffered and loose tube. Each fibre cable type has advantages for specific applications, as well as limitations and cost differences.
We’ve looked at how the construction of tight buffered vs loose tube fibre cables affects the cost, handling, and applications of each and the differences.
Tight buffered refers to the aramid yarn, such as Kevlar wool, around a fibre core. Consisting of two-layers, the outer acrylate coating tightly surrounds the silica fibre core to protect both the core and cladding of the fibre.
Generally constructed with 900μm buffered fibre cores, tight buffered cables typically have a similar strength to traditional fibre patch leads.
The tight buffer adds structural strength to the cable and helps prevent damage to the fibre core during installation while helping extend the cable’s operational life.
The tight buffer also provides improved cable attenuation and fibre core protection when cables bend, meaning tight buffered cables are ideal for installations that require a tight bend radius.
Tight buffered fibre cables can consist of 2 to 144/288 fibres.
Unlike tight buffered fibre cables, which have two layers of aramid yarn (one around the fibre core and another outer layer), loose tube fibre cables have only one outer protective layer.
Loose tube fibre cables consist of multiple 250μm fibre cores and are manufactured in two ways –gel-filled and dry.
Both constructions protect against water ingress in slightly different ways. In gel-filled loose tube, a gel (typically called thixatropic) and an outer jacket surround the fibre cores.
Dry loose tube cables are similar but retain protection against water with an additional internal protective layer.
To provide even greater protection, the outer tube can be made from more robust or semi-rigid materials for harsher environments or where there is frequent contact on the cable.
Loose tube fibre cables generally contain a strength member or aramid yarn that provides rigidity. Around the strength member that runs through a loose tube fibre optic cable, the fibre cable can consist of bundles of 2 to 144/288 fibres.
The fundamental difference between tight buffered and loose tube fibre cables is the construction of the fibre optic cable.
In tight buffered cables, there isn’t a gap between the fibre cores’ coating and cladding layers. Whereas loose tube fibre cables have a gap, either filled with gel or are loose in the cable.
Although tight buffered fibre cables can typically have a larger cable diameter than loose tube cables (depending on the outer protective jacket), they’re often preferred for indoor use in tight spaces.
That’s because the two protective layers of tight buffered fibre cables means they don’t need additional protection around the cable. This also usually makes them easier to handle during installation, such as while connecting pre-terminated fibre cables into the rear of a patch panel.
Tight buffered cables can endure significant flex because the two buffered layers help prevent damage to the fibre core caused by bending the cable. This makes them suited to short and intermediate ranges in LANs, and long indoor runs.
In contrast, loose tube fibre cables usually aren’t used in tight spaces or for short indoor runs. Instead, loose tube cables are typically used when water ingress is a threat.
Due to its 250μm fibre core, unlike tight buffered fibre cables’ size of 900μm, loose tube cable is often more cost effective and practical to deploy in outdoor applications.
Loose tube cables often suit longer distance use, such as campus links and between buildings.
The gel filling is also unsuitable for running horizontal cable routes, such as in a building between floors.
The more rigid construction caused by the strength member and the material used for the outer protective jacket of loose tube cables also makes loose tube fibre cables less suitable for shorter runs.
Gel-filled loose tube fibre cables or using a more robust outer protective layer, such as corrugated (CST) or steel wire armoured (SWA) fibre cables, make them commonly used for outdoor use or in harsh environments.
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The cost of tight buffered and loose tube fibre cables is one of the most important differences.
The fibre core of the two fibre cable types is the same. But as tight buffered cables use more aramid yarn in its construction, they often cost more.
With the same number of fibre cores between a tight buffered and a loose tube cable, a tight buffered cable will typically cost more because of more material used in the cables’ construction.
If you have more questions about QSFP28 100G transceivers and compatibility with Cisco equipment, you can contact our team.
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