Armoured Fiber Optic Cables For Underground/Duct Application

GL FIBER' armored fiber optic cables shield data in harsh environments. Ruggedised metal armor ensures durability in underground enviornment. Choose from steel tape, stainless steel, or aluminum options to suit your armouring needs. Armored fiber cable provides unmatched durability making cable crush-resistant and rodent-proof. Supports all fibre types, upto 1152F in uni-tube & multi-tube designs to build reliable networks in extreme conditions.

What Are Armoured Fiber Optic Cables?

Armoured fiber optic cables are specialized optical cables reinforced with protective layers to guard against mechanical stress, environmental hazards, and accidental damage. Unlike standard fiber cables, which rely on lightweight jackets for protection, armoured variants incorporate additional shielding materials such as corrugated steel tape, aluminum, or stainless steel. Some designs also use non-metallic armouring (e.g., Kevlar or glass yarn) for scenarios requiring electrical insulation or corrosion resistance.

Key Structural Features

Core Fiber Components:

GL FIBER Support OEM. Available in wide range of 1F-48F (Unitube) & (Loose Tube) 6F-1152F in both single-mode and multi-mode fibre variants.

Armouring Layer:

The defining feature is the armouring, which forms a flexible yet rigid barrier around the fiber core. Metallic armouring (e.g., interlocked steel) provides crush resistance and rodent protection, while non-metallic options (e.g., aramid fibers) offer flexibility and immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Outer Jacket:

An exterior polymer jacket shields the cable from moisture, UV radiation, chemicals, and temperature fluctuations. Materials like polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are commonly used.

Advantages of Armoured Fiber Optic Cables

Superior Durability:
The armouring layer protects against physical threats such as crushing, bending, impact, and rodent bites, making these cables ideal for underground burial, industrial sites, or outdoor deployments.

Long-Term Reliability:
By minimizing damage risks, armoured cables reduce maintenance costs and downtime, ensuring stable performance in mission-critical networks like data centers, military communications, and utility grids.

Environmental Resistance:
Waterproof and UV-resistant designs enable operation in extreme temperatures, humid conditions, or corrosive atmospheres.

Flexibility in Installation:
Despite their ruggedness, many armoured cables retain flexibility due to corrugated or helical armouring designs, simplifying routing in tight spaces.

Security:
Metallic armouring adds a tamper-resistant layer, deterring unauthorized access to sensitive data pathways.

Common Applications

Industrial Networks:

Used in factories, oil refineries, and power plants where cables face exposure to heavy machinery, vibrations, or chemicals.

Outdoor/Underground Deployments:

Ideal for direct burial in soil, aerial installations, or underwater conduits, especially in areas prone to rodent activity or excavation risks.

Military and Defense:

Deployed in field operations or secure facilities due to their EMI resistance and ability to endure harsh terrains.

Urban Broadband Infrastructure:

Supports 5G networks, FTTH (Fiber-to-the-Home), and smart city projects requiring durable, future-proof cabling.

Data Centers:

Protects high-density fiber links from accidental damage during maintenance or equipment upgrades.

Choosing the Right Armoured Cable

Selecting an armoured fiber optic cable depends on factors like:

Environment: Metallic armouring suits mechanical stress-prone areas, while non-metallic options are better for EMI-sensitive zones.

Bend Radius Requirements: Ensure the cable’s flexibility aligns with installation pathways.

Compliance Standards: Look for certifications such as IEC 60794 (international) or ANSI/TIA-568 (U.S. standards).

Conclusion

Armoured fiber optic cables represent a critical evolution in optical networking, addressing the growing demand for resilient and high-performance connectivity. By integrating rugged physical protection with the inherent advantages of fiber optics—low latency, high bandwidth, and immunity to interference—these cables empower industries to build robust infrastructures capable of supporting next-generation technologies. Whether in a bustling data center, a remote military base, or a subterranean utility network, armoured fiber optic cables deliver the reliability that modern communication systems demand.