Have you ever faced difficulty with managing and installing outdoor optical fibers? Unlike standard fibers, OSP fiber optic cables are much easier to manage and install. They are built to endure tough conditions without compromising on data transmission reliability. They come in different variants, each type catered towards specific applications So, keep reading to discover everything you need to know about OSP cables.
Figure No 1: OSP Fiber Optic Cables
1) What Are OSP Fiber Optic Cables?
“OSP (Outside Plant) fiber optic cable is a type of fiber optic cable designed for outdoor applications to transfer long-range data.”
OSP fiber optic cable typically consists of a fiber core that is covered by cladding, a buffer coating, supportive strength members, and a water-blocking layer, and all are encased in a rigid, durable outer jacket.
Figure No 2: OSP Fiber Optic Cables structure
- Key Parameters of OSP Fiber Optic Cable
| Feature | Specification |
| Core Size | 9µm (Singlemode) / 50µm or 62.5µm (Multimode) |
| Cladding Size | 125µm |
| Outer Jacket Size | 5mm – 15mm (varies by type) |
| Maximum Distance | Up to 40km (Singlemode) / Up to 550m (Multimode OM4) |
| Data Speed | Up to 10 Gbps or more (depending on type) |
| Fire Safety Rating | UL 1666, NFPA 262 (for some indoor/outdoor types) |
2) Types of OSP Fiber Optic Cables
i) Aerial Cables
Aerial cables are installed above the ground. It consists of a conductor which is made of copper or aluminum to carry electricity or data. Then the conductor gets its protection by being covered with insulation which prevents electricity leakage. The sheath follows the insulation and acts as an outer cover that protects against moisture and temperature changes. Moreover, many aerial cables include a messenger wire, made of steel or fiber, which supports the cable in harsh weather.
For this reason, they are widely used in telecommunication, smart city projects, rural connectivity, and temporary installations.
Figure No 3: Aerial Cables
ii) Underground Cables
Underground cables are designed to be buried in soil and thus placed in protective tubes. These cables consist of a fiber core, cladding, and a buffer coating for protection. In addition, many have a protective cover covered by aluminum or steel which defends against moisture, pressure, physical harm, and water-blocking layers. Due to these features, they are mostly used in urban infrastructure and industrial areas, telecommunication networks, and data centers due to their reliability.
Figure No 4: Underground Cables
iii) Submarine Cables
Submarine fiber optic cables are designed for under-the-sea placement as they connect different countries. They are primarily used for long-distance communication. Moreover, they have water-blocking materials, steel armor, and a strong outer jacket. which protects the cable from subsea pressure, corrosion, and physical damage caused by the ocean.
Figure No 5: Submarine Cables
The overall diameter of a submarine cable depends on its design and protective layers, typically ranging from 17mm to 50mm.
iv) Tactical
These cables are made for use in extreme environments. Tactical fiber optic cables are flexible and lightweight. For extra strength, they have a tight or loose tube structure, support materials like aramid yarn (kevlar), and an outer jacket to withstand harsh conditions. Due to these features, they are used in military operations, emergency response, broadcasting, and industrial environments for high-speed communication.
Figure No 6: Tactical Cables
v) Military-Grade
Military-grade optic fiber cables are made to withstand harsh temperatures. Additionally, they are highly durable and unbreakable. For greater strength, they are protected with armor materials (like silica, aramid yarn (kevlar), and water block layers). As a result, these cables are used in defense, aerospace, naval systems, tactical deployments, and government networks for secure and reliable communication.
Figure No 7: Military-grade Cables
The overall cable diameter depends on protective layers and design, typically ranging from 4mm to 15mm.
From a Quora review, Nailah Gull Khan says that using outside plant (OSP) cable helps you extend your network outdoors, whether underground or overhead, even across a large campus. She explains that OSP cable is better than indoor cables because it can handle tough weather while still working well.
Figure No 8: Quora Review
3) Key Factors to Consider While Choosing OSP Fiber Optic Cables
When selecting OSP (Outside Plant) fiber optic cables, it is important to consider several key factors to ensure durability and performance. Here we will discuss the key factors:
- Environmental Durability: If you need cables for extreme outdoor use, then you should specifically focus on their UV sturdiness, temperature endurance, and waterproofing features which show the capability of withstanding damage from sunlight, weather, and moisture.
- Armored fiber cable vs. Non-Armored Cables: Next, If you need cables for high-risk and buried areas that need additional protection, then armored cables are the best choice as they are designed to protect your cable against physical injury, pest damage, and subterranean pressure. On the other hand, when installing cables above the ground, non-armored cables are the best suited for this application due to their greater flexibility and lower weight.
- Fiber Type: Different applications may need specific distances; hence you should select the right cable. For long-range transmissions with low signal loss, single-mode fiber is appropriate. However, multi-mode fiber is more suitable for high-bandwidth, short-range applications like area networks.
- Jacket Materials: As with any mechanical component, the fiber optic cable must be protected from physical damage. The jacket can be described as the backbone of the cable in terms of protection. You should pick PE (Polyethylene) as best for outdoors and underground. Next, you can use PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) for general installation purposes and LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) in fire-sensitive areas.
- Strength Members: To achieve durability, check for materials such as Kevlar, steel tape, or even fiberglass. This way, your cables can withstand severe tension and physical stress.
- Cable Lifespan and Maintenance: Lastly, consider the care requirements and maintenance frequency the cable will need that is paired with its usable life. Selecting superior-grade cables will require less upkeep which decreases replacement costs. Furthermore, proper installation along with routine checks ensures a dependable network can be maintained.
4) OSP vs. ISP Fiber Optic Cables: Key Differences
Now, let’s explore how OSP Fiber Optic Cables are different from ISP Fiber Optic Cables based on key differences:
| Feature | OSP (Outside Plant) Fiber Optic Cables | ISP (Inside Plant) Fiber Optic Cables |
| Usage | Designed for outdoor environments | Used for indoor applications |
| Environmental Protection | Resistant to UV rays, moisture, extreme temperatures, and physical damage | Less environmental protection, mainly for controlled indoor settings |
| Jacket Material | Made of PE (Polyethylene), PVC, or LSZH for durability | Typically PVC or LSZH for flexibility and safety |
| Armor & Strength Members | Often armored with steel or aluminum for extra protection | Usually non-armored or lightly reinforced |
| Installation Type | Buried underground, aerial-mounted, or underwater | Installed in walls, ceilings, conduits, or raised floors |
| Cable Flexibility | Less flexible due to rugged design | More flexible for easier handling |
| Typical Applications | Used in telecommunication networks, smart cities, and rural areas | Used in offices, data centers, and enterprise networks |
5) Installation and Maintenance Best Practices
For the successful installation and sustained performance of OSP (Outside Plant) fiber optics, strategic planning and execution are necessary. Now we are going to analyze the Installation methods and how to maintain OSP fiber optic after installation:
Part 1) Installation Best Practices
Pre-Installation Considerations
- Site Survey: You should assess the landscape, climate, and other physical conditions as they may act as an impediment to the installation method.
- Cable Selection: Next, cables must be salt resistant in the event of possible wet environmental conditions. For underground outgoing use armored cables and for aerial usage ADSS(All-Dielectric Self-Supporting) cables will do.
- Route Planning: The routes that are going to be used for the installation must be free of any utilities, trees, and other problematic areas.
- Regulatory Compliance: You must secure the relevant permits and follow the local and national requirements before the installation. Compliance assists in preventing legal and operational interruptions.
Figure No 9: Pre-Installation Considerations
Installation Methods
- Aerial Installation: You must control the tension and sag of the cables because they cause damage. Ensure that proper protection is in place against wind vibrations which can be damaging over time.
- Underground Installation: Protect the cables using HDPE conduits (high-density polyethylene). During trench covering, backfilling must be performed without damaging the trench. In addition, blocking water materials like Tapes & Powders or Waterproof Sheathing must be added to prevent moisture from permeating into the cables.
- Submarine Installation: For installation underwater, use cables that are waterproof and armored against extreme conditions. ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) work to carefully position the cables on the ocean floor.
Part 2: Maintenance Best Practices
Routine Inspection and Monitoring
- First, you should do frequent checks for sagging, physical damage, and animal interference infrequent maintenance can weaken the cable over time.
- Next check pipes for cracks and damages. Also, check for water ingress as it poses a danger of losing valuable signals.
- Use an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) for accurate diagnostics on detecting fiber loss and breaks.
- For cables under water use sonar inspections and remote sensing technology to check for damages or shifts.
Figure No 10: Routine Inspection and Monitoring
Repair and Restoration
- You should fasten your cables to keep them at the correct angle if you see them drooping. In addition, use splice enclosures(fiber optic patches) to save fiber from environmental harm.
- In the case of underground damage, restore broken fiber strands by fusion splicing. Also, remove and replace all damaged pipes for better protection of the cable in the long run.
- For deep water cables use special-purpose repair vessels that can pick up, repair, and replace the cable on the ocean floor.
Conclusion
In short, OSP fiber optic cables are important for strong and reliable communication networks, especially in outdoor areas. It does not matter if you’re using it in telecommunications, security, or even industrial applications, selecting the right cable guarantees you proper data flow and optimal performance over time. Identifying the different types and their key characteristics alongside installation enables you to create an efficient network.
For flexible and reliable OSP fiber cables, Dekam provides durable and cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs. Upgrade your network contact us today for the best OSP fiber cables and enjoy a smooth connection!
