Are you in search of more convenient strategies for fiber optic cable installation? Okay! You have come to the right place. You will be amazed to know that the air-blowing method of installing micro fiber optic cables is much quicker, and I must say a cleaner one. It uses air to push the cables through the ducts, thus saving both time and money.ย In this article, weโll explore how the air-blowing method works and why itโs becoming a popular choice. So, keep reading!
Figure 1: Air-blown fiber optic cable
1) Understanding Air Blown Fiber Optic Cable
โThe air-blown fiber optic cable is a lightweight fiber that undergoes the installation process by blowing through it in already set microducts via compressed air.โ
- Components of Air-Blown Fiber Optic Cable
In order to smoothly install an air-blown fiber optic system from start to finish, having a few primary components working together is important. In this section, we will discuss the components of air-blown fiber optic cable:
i) Ducts (Plastic Tubes): They are plastic pipes that give the path for the fiber cable to travel through.
ii) Fiber Optic Cable Units: Next, Cables, usually light and flexible, that transport internet or data signals.
iii) Blowing Equipment (Blowing Machine): Then, a machine that uses strong air to push the cable through the duct.
Figure 2: Blowing Machine
iv) Connectors and Accessories: Lastly, small parts that connect several ducts together, cap their ends, and facilitate the movements of the cable within.
- Features of Air Blown Micro Fiber Optic Cable
Modern fiber optic networks can immensely benefit from different attributes of air blown micro fiber optic cables. Their ease of installation, flexibility, and scalability are significant advantages that meet the requirements of modern and futuristic networks.
? Flexibility: Air blown micro fiber optic cables display great flexibility. The ability to be pushed through ducts using air ensures aid to simplify the installation process, thus reducing labor work.
? Easy Scalability: The ease of adding more fibers due to effortless additional work also meets network enlarging demand. Thus making the system adaptable, efficient, and futuristic.
? Lightweight Design: Air blown cables need to be delivered in small and compact design to maintain cost effectiveness when installing in need spaces. The low weight nature of air blown cables also assists installation priorities.
? Durability: Despite the small size of air blown cables, they are known to be reliable and are built to durably withstand harsh conditions both indoors and outdoors for prolonged periods of time.
? Cause Little to No Interruption/Disruption: Last but not least, air blown fiber optic cables/fibers have proven to be very useful during the installation process because they further provide an non-intrusive way to execute airblown installation techniques all while avoiding excessive digging and heavy construction work. Allowing normal day-to-day operations to commence with little to no interruption during the installation period.
2) How Does the Air Blowing Fiber Optic Cable Work?
To know how air blowing technology works, now we will examine the step-by-step procedure for installing fiber optic cables with air:
Step 1) Install the Plastic Tubes (Ducts): Before blowing the cable, there needs to be a pathway prepared for it. The first step is to put in place plastic tubes (or ducts) either in the earth or within the building. These tubes will provide a smooth pathway through which the cables can be directed later.
Step 2) Use the Blowing Machine: Once the ducts are completed, a special machine is affixed to one side of the duct. This machine blows strong air (as a fan) into the tube. The air moves quickly through the duct from one end to the other.
Figure 3: Use of the Blowing Machine
Step 3) Blow in the Fiber Optic Cable: After using the blowing machine, a flexible and light kabel gentian optik is inserted at the ductโs opening. Next, the air pushed through the duct helps in pushing the cable forward. As the air does this, the cable moves smoothly through the tube without getting stuck, damaged, or breaking.
Step 4) The Cable Reaches the End: Ultimately, the cable comes out at the other end of the duct, right where you need it. Thereโs no need to dig or pull the cable by hand. Itโs a clean and simple way to get the job done.
3) Technical requirement for Installing Air blown fiber optic cables
Technical Requirement | Numeric data |
Fiber optic tubes | Diameter: 8mm โ 12mmMax. length per tube: Up to 2000 feet (610 meters) |
Air Compressor | Pressure output: 40 โ 70 PSIFlow rate: 100 โ 400 CFM |
Fiber Optic Cables | Diameter: 2mm โ 3mm Weight per meter: 20 โ 30 grams |
Ducting Pathway | Min. Bent radius 10x tube diameter |
Blower Nozzle | Nozzle Diameter: 8mm-12mm |
Cable Lubricant | Water-based or gel |
4) Applications of Air blown Micro Fiber optic cable
Air blown micro cables are quickly becoming the ideal choice for a wide variety of uses because of their lightweight construction and air pressure based installation method. The following section will focus on the most common applications of air blown micro optic cables in different industries.
i) Telecommunications Networks
Telecommunication networks is one industry that has extensively used air blown micro optic cables. With their unique needs, telecom companies have stayed at the forefront of deploying optical interconnections utilizing these micro cables. The capability of blowing these cables into pre-installed tubes helps telecommunication companies adapt their network designs faster than other methods without disruption.
Figure 4: Use of Micro cable in data centers
ii) Data Centers
Moreover, air blown micro optic cables are essential for the operation of cloud data centers. These businesses need fast, dependable connections for all server components: switches, storage systems, etc. Air-blown micro optical cables make these connections flexible and also scalable.
iii) Campus and Building Networks
Air-blown micro-optic cables can also be used within entire premises or building networks (for educational institutions, business centers, and medical centers). Such environments usually need strong fiber optic networks to cater to a huge number of users and devices. Thus, air-blown micro-optic cables streamline the installation process, minimizing interruptions to daily operations during network expansions.
iv) Smart Cities and Infrastructure
As more cities transform into smarter and more integrated environments, the need for scalable and effective fiber optic networks is increasing. Air blown micro optic cables play an important role in developing infrastructure for smart cities.
Moreover, keep in mind that electric networks require a backbone of sensors, devices, and communication systems which, in turn, need robust and fast networks. Due to the ease and flexibility offered by air blown micro optic cables, smart cities are able to erect and expand these networks rapidly and economically.
Figure 5: Use of Micro cable in Smart Cities
v) Residential Fiber-to-The-Home (FTTH) Deployments
With more people working and attending class remotely, the need to have access to reliable and high speed internet in residential areas is also high. So, air blown micro optic cables make Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) deployments seamless. Additionally, these systems improve the efficiency of the installation process, which lowers labor costs and installation time.ย
vi) Applications in Industry and Manufacturing
Within industries and manufacturing facilities, the communication between machines and control systems must be reliable and of high speed in order to allow for streamlined automation and other operations. This environment is ideal for air blown micro optic cables as they easily adapt to the complex layouts encountered in factories.
5) Challenges and Considerations
Installing air blown micro-optic cables comes with a set of challenges and considerations that must be handled properly for the smooth completion of the process:
- Initial Setup Costs: At the beginning, air-blown systems can be costly, but save additional money down the road due to their low cost for future expansions.
- Skill Requirements for Installation: The operation of air-blowing machines requires specific skill sets, including neat cable work. If mismanaged, broken cables will delay everything.
- Path Planning: Also, cables must be routed with great care. Excessive tight bends or obstacles may impede movement during installation.
- Environmental Factors: Furthermore, this step of installation may be affected by the temperature and the moisture level in the air. Some of the most extreme situations could either damage the cables or make installation more difficult. Therefore, the environment needs to be planned well in advance.
Figure 7: Consider Environmental Factors
- Maintenance Needs: To keep air-blown systems functioning, youโll need to provide periodic maintenance. If maintenance is neglected, it can lead to costly repairs.
Conclusion
In short, the process of installing air-blown micro fiber optic cables is very specialized. Everything from planning your duct system to the air-blowing installation needs careful execution in order to prevent obstruction of cable movement and minimize signal loss. As you work to meet the growing demand for faster networks will be easier through the advancement of fiber optic technology.
At Dekam, we specialize in providing advanced fiber optic cables that support state-of-the-art networks. With an emphasis on innovation, we guarantee the technology implemented in your network is reliable.ย Contact us for more information.