Fiber Optic Reference Guide, 3rd Edition

4 FIBER OPTIC CABLES

 

 

 

Chapter 3 discussed the methods for manufacturing optical fiber and detailed many of its important characteristics. Another important characteristic is that bare optical fiber is quite delicate, making their handling difficult, especially in multifiber situations. To make handling optical fiber easier, it is first “buffered” or coated with a thin primary coating by the fiber manufacturer. It is then most often cabled. Fiber optic cables also function to protect the optical fiber from mechanical damage such as bends, breaks, or cuts both during and after installation. The exact structure and properties of a fiber optic cable are often directly related to the application for which the cable is constructed as well as ...