Microduct cable for FFTx and 5G have record-breaking diameters
Microduct cables in the Sirocco Extreme range now include Prysmian’s latest 576f cable. The company says that the range includes record diameters and fibre densities for blown microduct cables. They ease the path to FTTx (fibre to the x, for broadband networking) and 5G network deployments with 180 micron fibre cables, says the company.
The new cable boasts 576 fibres in an 8.2mm diameter, providing a fibre density of 10.9 fibres per mm2. It can therefore be installed into a 10mm duct. Sirocco Extreme microduct cables use Prysmian’s BendBrightXS 180 micron single-mode (ITU-T G.657.D, G.657.A2) bend insensitive fibre which is fully compatible for splicing with any standard fibre. According to Prysmian, the cable offers a future-proof option that is prepared for evolved systems.
“Bend-insensitive fibre optic cables are a crucial part of the world’s shift towards flexible and reliable connectivity,” said Ian Griffiths, director of R&D Telecom Business at Prysmian Group. The fibre count and reduced diameter of the Sirocco Extreme microduct cables make installations faster and more cost-effective, he added. They are designed for installation into microducts, and are suitable for blowing in high density access, FTTx and 5G networks.
The Sirocco Extreme cables are available in fibre counts from 192 to 576 and conform to international standards for optical and mechanical performance. They are based on Prysmian’s PicoTube technology which makes them up to 15 per cent smaller than Sirocco HD microduct cables, Prysmian’s 200micron microduct cables which were the previous record holders. It is possible to install more fibres into a congested duct space meaning smaller ducts can be used for new installations, reducing installation costs and using less raw materials.
Prysmian Group operates in the energy and telecomms cable systems industry. It has employees in over 50 countries and 104 plants and operates in the underground and submarine cables sectors, systems for power transmission and distribution, special cables for different industries and medium and low voltage cables for the construction and infrastructure sectors. For the telecommunications industry, the Group manufactures cables and accessories for voice, video and data transmission, offering a comprehensive range of optical fibres, optical and copper cables and connectivity systems.
