Choosing the right optical fiber cable type is essential for achieving long-term network reliability, stable signal transmission, and cost-effective installation. Different environments—indoor wiring, outdoor trenching, direct burial underground, and aerial installations—require fiber cables with specific structures and protective layers. This complete guide explains how to select fiber cables for various deployment scenarios, highlights key technical considerations, and uses real industry practices from Hunna Jiahome, a professional manufacturer of high-performance optical fiber cables, drop cables, and customized FTTH solutions.
Understanding Different Fiber Cable Environments
Each installation environment requires unique protection levels, materials, and mechanical strength.
Selecting a fiber cable begins with identifying where and how it will be deployed. Indoor cables prioritize flexibility and safety; outdoor cables emphasize durability and waterproofing; direct burial cables need heavy mechanical protection; and aerial cables must withstand tension and weather. Hunna Jiahome follows strict engineering standards to match cable design with the actual installation scenario.
Indoor Fiber Optic Cables — Flexible, Safe, and Easy to Install
Indoor fiber cables feature flame-retardant jackets, small diameter, and high bending performance.
Indoor scenarios such as offices, homes, data centers, and equipment rooms require fiber cables with:
- Flame-retardant LSZH jackets (Low Smoke Zero Halogen)
- Small bending radius and lightweight structure
- Easy stripping and rapid installation
- Minimal mechanical protection needed
Common types include:
- GJXFH FTTH indoor cable
- Simplex/Duplex indoor patch cable
- Tight-buffered distribution cable
These cables are ideal for short runs and building-to-room wiring. Hunna Jiahome’s FTTH indoor fiber cables are widely used in apartment and office deployments requiring safe and flexible cabling.
Outdoor Fiber Optic Cables — Waterproof, UV-Resistant, and Rugged
Outdoor fiber cables must handle harsh conditions, moisture, temperature swings, and wildlife.
Outdoor environments expose fiber to rain, UV rays, frost, rodents, and physical stress. Required features include:
- UV-resistant PE jacket
- Water-blocking gel or dry water-blocking yarn
- Loose tube gel-filled structure
- Rodent-resistant armored options
Popular outdoor cable types:
- GYXTW / GYTS armored loose tube cables
- ADSS self-supporting cables
- Figure-8 outdoor drop cable
Hunna Jiahome provides multiple outdoor fiber designs to ensure stability in long-distance and harsh weather installations.
Direct Burial Fiber Optic Cables — Highest Protection Against Soil Pressure
Direct burial cables require strong armor, moisture resistance, and compression protection.
Direct burial installation is used when fiber is placed underground without ducts. These cables must resist:
- Soil pressure
- Moisture and groundwater
- Rodent attacks
- Long-term chemical exposure
- Direct burial cable types include:
- Steel tape armored fiber cable (STA)
- Corrugated steel armored cable (SWA / SWA-armored)
- Double-armored heavy-duty fiber cable
Hunna Jiahome’s armored direct-burial cables provide the highest level of mechanical protection, ideal for highways, remote areas, and telecom backbone networks.
Aerial Fiber Optic Cables — High Tension Strength and Weather Resistance
Aerial cables must endure wind, ice, storms, and static tension over long spans.
Aerial fiber installation is widely used along poles for FTTH, rural broadband, and transmission-line corridors. Required features:
- High-tensile strength materials (FRP/steel wires)
- Weather-proof and anti-UV sheath
- Lightweight but durable structure
Common aerial fiber cable types:
- ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting) cable
- Figure-8 self-supporting aerial drop cable
- Outdoor armored aerial cables
Hunna Jiahome engineers aerial cables to meet long-span requirements, minimizing sag and ensuring stable tension across poles.
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting Fiber Cables
Match the cable to installation conditions, mechanical needs, budget, and network performance.
Before purchasing, evaluate:
- Installation environment (indoor/outdoor/aerial/burial)
- Mechanical stress (tension, compression, bending)
- Cable core count (1–288 cores)
- Fiber type (G.657A2, G.652D, OM3, OM4)
- Waterproofing method (gel-filled or dry)
- Armor and rodent protection needs
- Cost vs. long-term durability
Hunna Jiahome provides custom fiber designs based on project specifications and local conditions.
Comparison Table — Indoor vs. Outdoor vs. Direct Burial vs. Aerial Cables
Different designs serve different mechanical and environmental requirements.
| Scenario | Key Features | Typical Cable Types |
| Indoor | Flame-retardant, flexible, small bending radius | FTTH indoor cable, simplex fiber |
| Outdoor | UV-resistant, waterproof, durable | GYXTW, GYTS, ADSS |
| Direct Burial | Heavy armor, anti-moisture, rodent-resistant | STA/SWA armored cables |
| Aerial | High tension, weatherproof | ADSS, Figure-8 drop cable |
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which fiber type is best for FTTH networks?
G.657A2 bend-insensitive fiber is the most suitable for indoor FTTH and tight spaces.
2. How do I choose between ADSS and Figure-8 aerial cable?
ADSS is used for long spans or power line applications, while Figure-8 is ideal for short urban spans.
3. Are armored cables necessary for outdoor installations?
For areas with rodents, construction zones, or rocky soil, yes, armor is highly recommended.
4. Can outdoor fiber be used indoors?
Technically yes, but it is not fire-rated; indoor LSZH cable is safer for buildings.
5. How deep should direct-burial fiber be installed?
Typically 60–90 cm depending on local regulations, soil type, and protection requirements.
6. What is the lifespan of high-quality fiber cables?
A well-manufactured cable can last 25–30 years in most environments.
Post time: Nov-20-2025