Fiber optics is a data transmission medium that has become one of the most widely used in the world of telecommunications due to its advantages over other media.. The main advantage is its high bandwidth capacity, allowing large amounts of data to be transmitted over long distances and with low attenuation.
Nevertheless, the fiber optics is also a medium very sensitive to environmental conditions and mechanical damage, thermal or chemical that it may suffer during its installation or its use. So, it is important to protect the fiber optic cable to ensure its integrity and durability.
The armor is a layer that is placed around the fiber optic cable in order to protect it from possible external damage.. There are different types of armor, like the corrugated, the braided and the spiral, that offer different degrees of protection depending on the environment where the reinforced fiber cable is to be installed.
corrugated armor: Ideal for buried or outdoor cables
Corrugated armor is a metallic layer, usually a steel tape, in the form of waves that is placed on the outer jacket of the fiber optic cable. This armor offers good tensile strength., to compression and torsion, as well as good flexibility. For this reason, is ideal for direct burial or outdoor installation.
Braided Armor: Ideal for Submarine Cables or Ducts
Braided armor is a layer of metallic or plastic strands that are woven around the outer sheath of the cable.. This armor offers good tensile and abrasion resistance., as well as good flexibility. For this reason, It is ideal for subsea or pipeline cables. In more complex underwater conditions, fiber optic cables can also be double armored to provide additional protection.
Spiral Armor: Ideal for Cables Subjected to Strong Tensions or Vibrations
Spiral armor is a layer of metal or plastic wires that are wound helically around the outer sheath of the cable.. This armor offers good tensile and compressive strength., as well as good rigidity. For this reason, It is ideal for cables subjected to high stresses or vibrations.
The choice of the type of armor will depend on the environment where the cable is to be installed, the type of fiber optic used, cost and expected return. Not all fiber optic cables need an armor, but in some cases it may be convenient to use it to guarantee the integrity and durability of the cable.
In conclusion, armor is an element that can improve the protection of the fiber optic cable against external agents that may damage it. Although it is not essential to use the reinforced fiber in all cases, yes, it is advisable to evaluate the need for its use depending on the type of cable, the type of fiber and the type of installation that is carried out.