Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1472963
July/August/September 2022 I 51 Traditional loose-tube cable designs are also not suited to scale with the increasing capacity requirements of telecommunication backbone and hyperscale applica- tions. Fiber optic cables with 6,912 fiber counts are in active, hyperscale networks. Even larger fiber count cables are being discussed. The outer diameter and weight of traditional loose-tube cables at these fiber counts would make their utilization uneconomical. The lighter weight, smaller diameter, and unique design of these new cables are even supporting blown cable installations at signifi- cantly longer distances, notably lessening the effort, time, and cost compared with pulling cable. Figure 2 shows the fiber count comparison of the new high-density cable (left) versus traditional loose-tube cable (right). is the connection from one application, system, or device to another. The options for this final step of connecting the many links of an ICT network have increased as data applications and their need for versatility have increased. Furthermore, EFA remains a fitting motto for best prac- tices of connectivity design for future-proofed optical fiber networks. Pre-terminated cables, fusion splice-on connectors (SOCs), mechanical splice connectors, and fusion splicing directly to preassembled panels, boxes, or terminals are the typical options offered by optical fiber and connector manufacturers. Each method has its pros and cons and can be appli- cation dependent. Pre-terminated cables are the simplest and quickest to install. Pre-terminated cables are often the preferred method of connection within a telecom closet, patch panel, or short in-building runs of existing construction. There is a cost premium for pre-terminated cables but not outweighed by the labor involved for other termination methods. Multiple dwelling unit (MDU) acti- vation is also a popular application for pre-terminated cables. The runs are generally single fiber, fixed distance, and the optical loss penalty is not meaningful compared to the enhanced speed of deployment when the networks are designed with this penalty in mind. The SOCs have risen in popularity significantly, replacing mechanical splice connectors in many cases. The primary benefits of a fusion SOC over mechanical connectors are significantly reduced optical loss and increased field reliability. Fiber enclosure panel repair work that connects low fiber count drops to a premise and small indoor telecommunications enclosures, commonly called wall boxes, are popular applications for both types of connectors. The cost barrier for fusion SOCs has dramatically decreased as the prices for handheld fusion splicers with active cladding have decreased due to healthy competi- tion and technology maturation. Temperature cycling, physical strain, moisture, and particle ingress are more problematic for mechanical connectors. Due to much lower optical loss, fusion SOCs have a clear advantage in outdoor environments. If the link loss requirements are low or numerous devices exist in the network, pressuring the overall budget, fusion SOCs reclaim their advantage otherwise lost with a mechanical connector. FIGURE 2: New cable density possibilities. 432F 288F Loose-Tube The EFA requirements of the physical layer for smart infrastructure are apparent with these optical fiber developments, benefiting both the network operator and installer. The benefits of air-blown friendly cable designs are not limited to high fiber count cables. The 144 count fibers and below are offered across many manufacturers and generate similar savings in smaller bandwidth networks as well. Adhering to cable solutions that align with EFA objectives set up networks for current and future success to a greater degree than previous generations of optical fiber cable. Connectivity is a fitting term for one of the final pieces of the physical layer, given that ICT infrastructure