8-core ASS fiber optic cable specifications

An 8-core ASS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting) fiber optic cable typically features eight optical fibers in a loose tube, with a central strength member, water-blocking materials, and a figure-8 PE sheath for aerial self-supporting installation.

Cable Construction

• Fiber Count: 8 individual optical fibers, either single-mode or multimode, each capable of high-speed data transmission up to 100 Gbps depending on transceiver and mode .
• Loose Tube: Fibers are housed in high-modulus plastic loose tubes, which are stranded around a metallic or dielectric central strength member to form a compact core .
• Strength Members: Stranded steel wires or aramid yarn provide tensile strength and self-supporting capability for aerial deployment .
• Water-Blocking: Gel or water-swellable materials fill interstices to prevent moisture ingress .
• Outer Sheath: Polyethylene (PE) sheath forms a figure-8 structure, combining the cable core and supporting strand for aerial installation .

Mechanical and Environmental Properties

• Tensile Strength: Central steel or dielectric strength member ensures the cable can support its own weight over spans without sagging .
• Crush Resistance: Corrugated steel tape (CST) or armored layers provide protection against mechanical impact and rodent damage .
• Temperature Range: Typically suitable for outdoor environments, including direct burial or duct installation .
• UV and Moisture Resistance: PE sheath and water-blocking system ensure durability in sunlight and wet conditions .

Performance Characteristics

• Bandwidth: Supports multiple data channels simultaneously; multimode versions (OM4/OM5) can handle 40–400 Gbps over short distances, while single-mode fibers are suitable for long-distance telecom applications .
• Dispersion and Attenuation: Low dispersion and attenuation ensure high signal integrity over the cable length .
• Compliance: Many cables meet international standards such as TIA/EIA-568, CPR Euroclass, RoHS, and REACH for safety and environmental compliance .

Applications

• Aerial Installations: Self-supporting figure-8 design allows direct suspension between poles without additional support .
• Outdoor and Buried Deployments: Armored or CST versions provide mechanical protection for duct or direct burial installations .
• Data Centers and Campus Networks: 8-core configuration balances capacity and manageability for medium-scale network backbones .

Summary

An 8-core ASS fiber optic cable is a versatile solution for aerial, outdoor, and medium-scale network applications, combining mechanical strength, environmental protection, and high-speed data transmission. Its figure-8 self-supporting design, water-blocking system, and armored options make it suitable for long-term, reliable deployment in challenging conditions .