NETWORK CONSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION

3 ways to construct Fibre-To-The-Home

Complete, high-quality networks at low cost
issued 2005-11-17

Contents
Contents............................................................................................................................. 2 Our experience offers you high quality at low cost .................................................................. 1 Definitions, network structure................................................................................................ 2 Controlling factors for network construction............................................................................ 3 Material and technology ...................................................................................................... 4 Documentation ................................................................................................................... 7 General construction methods .............................................................................................. 7 Construction method I - Robust cable and micro cable ............................................................ 8 Construction method II - Micro cable ................................................................................... 10 Construction method III Aerial cable ................................................................................. 13 Tips and advice................................................................................................................. 15 Dictionary......................................................................................................................... 15 Dictionary......................................................................................................................... 16 Appendix 1 - Table for duct estimation ................................................................................ 17 Appendix 2 - Traditional fibre optical cable .......................................................................... 18 Appendix 3 Fibre optical micro cable ................................................................................ 21 Appendix 4 - Fibre optical cable for aerial installation ........................................................... 23 Appendix 5 - Stations......................................................................................................... 24 Appendix 6 Fibre optical junction boxes ............................................................................ 26 Appendix 7 Fibre optical joint and termination cabinet for wall installation ........................... 29 Appendix 8 Fibre optical customer terminal for wall installation ........................................... 31 Appendix 9 Accessories for aerial cables ........................................................................... 32 Appendix 10 - Other material............................................................................................. 33

Our experience offers you high quality at low cost

Nexans has supplied optical cable systems for underground and aerial installation for nearly 20 years. Our experience has allowed us to create the Nexans Citynet Solution, a complete system of tried and tested components and solutions. In this booklet, we will examine the alternatives available for constructing the last mile, or the fibre-to-the-home network (FTTH), with high quality at low cost. We will describe below how the network structure can be constructed, the necessary considerations, construction methods and suitable products for building FTTH networks. The challenge is to construct a network from an urban junction or area junction all the way to a site or individual customer. This must be done at reasonable cost, with the right quality as well as considering future upgrading. Network structure7 A typical example is shown below, of what the network structure could look like in an area node. The illustration shows a section of the urban network (yellow) that contains an area junction (3). From the area junction (3), the network branches out into the area network (purple) to various types of building. In each area, the network branches further into a property area node (4) to each property. The property node (5) marks the end of the network. From this point, each property owner is responsible for further branching to each customer like companies in commercial properties, customers in an apartment block or in their own private house.

Example of network structure

Definitions, network structure

National backbone network The national backbone network links each region in the country. The backbone network is linked to other national backbone networks by the international network. Regional nodes (1) ______ regional network (orange ____________) Traffic is interchanged in inter-city nodes between the national backbone network and the city network. Inter-city nodes are located in the centre of the inter-city network. This network links all the towns in a municipality with each other Urban junctions (2) ______ Urban network (yellow ____________ ) Each town in a municipality has a urban junction. The network branches out from the urban junction to the urban network. The function of the urban network is to link each area in a town to each other. Area junction (3) ______ Area network (purple ____________ ) Each area has it own area junction. The network branches from here into an area network. Property area node (4) ______ Property area network (green ____________ ) In urban areas (like town centres, residential areas or industrial areas) the area network is further branched into a property area network which reaches individual buildings. Distribution is done by property area nodes. Individual cables are then run directly to single, remote buildings in rural areas. Property nodes (5) These nodes form the final destination of the urban network, and are where traffic is interchanged between the urban network and each property owners network.

Principle illustration of network structure

Controlling factors for network construction

The size and character of a town influence the way that the network is set up. In towns and in larger conurbations, the network branches from node 2 to each area via node 3. Nodes 2 and 3 in the network structure correspond in reality to some type of area with indoor climate. They contain active components such as switches (routers). Other equipment consists of passive components such as distribution frames and cables. As for smaller towns and villages, a node 3 is not needed. Cables are then run direct from node 2 to node 4, which forms a physical junction in the network to the buildings. As a rule, not more than 24 households or subscribers are connected to the same junction in node 4. Ring network or star network? The network is designed as a ring or a star, depending on the quality criteria chosen. A star network branches in a hierarchical structure, whereas a ring network is shaped like a ring. The advantage of a ring network is that redundancy is built into the network, i.e. if a cable in a ring network is cut by an excavator, the signals have an alternative pathway and customers still have contact with the network. If a ring network is constructed, the number of fibres in the cable should be chosen to suit the number of residents along the entire ring. If a star network is built, the number of fibres should be enough for the number of subscribers in the specific area. Future requirements When a project is planned, it is always important to consider future requirements. It can be regarded as being reasonable to allocate 4 fibres per customer to cover that requirement. In addition, you also have to consider mid- and longterm upgrading.

Ring network

Ring topology

Star topology

Material and technology

If you are going to build an FTTH network at the lowest possible cost, while maintaining quality, you have to realise that quality is judged by criteria such as reliability, simple maintenance, level of upgradeability and aesthetic design. The choice of cables and ducts is very important for the quality of a network solution, but it also has a strong influence on the cost (CAPEX) of the passive network. It is important to choose the right material for each situation. Our general recommendation is to use robust underground and aerial cables in combination with micro-cables to give good quality and good economy (CAPEX/OPEX). Cables Different cables have different designs, function and quality. Let us take a closer look at: robust underground cable micro cable aerial cable Robust underground cable is a traditional cable since it was the first type marketed when optical fibre technology was introduced. These cables can contain several hundreds of fibres and have been designed with mechanical protection to withstand the forces involved in pulling the cable in ducts or burying it directly. Robust underground cables are tried and tested in many installations and have proven long life. Installation methods have been improved over the years, resulting in the development of slimmer and lighter cables. The next stage in developments was small-size ducts, to use existing duct paths that were already full of cables. This led to development of the micro cables in its turn. Micro cables have been designed and adapted for installation in small ducts, called micro ducts. Their small dimensions mean that mechanical strength has been sacrificed for size. Micro cables can contain up to 96 fibres per cable, depending on outer diameter. Aerial cables, which are robust cables, are as well tested as underground cables. Aerial cables are suitable for use in small towns with existing aerial cable installations for electricity or telephone distribution, where the existing poles can be used. In areas where ground conditions are such that an underground network can not be installed, aerial cables are used instead. Ducting Using ducting instead of direct buried cable installation has several advantages: improved protection against mechanical damage to the cable possible to extend the fibre network at a reasonable cost possible to change a cable with a minimal amount of labour

Ducting can consist of optical cable protection pipes, micro ducts or multi-ducts. Optical cable protection pipes and most multiducts are designed to be installed directly into ground. Micro ducts are either installed in a multi-duct or are blown into an optical cable protection pipe later on. Ducting should be installed together, wherever possible, to reduce installation costs. Please refer to industry standards for more information about duct installation.

Examples of combinations of ducting and cables are shown below. Optical cable protection pipes are available in several different dimensions, e.g. 50/40, 40/32 or 16/12. Dimensions are chosen to suit the dimension(s) of the cable(s) or micro ducts. Micro ducts are relatively small, flexible and light tubes with external diameter less than 16 mm. Micro duct dimensions are chosen to suit the micro cable dimension.

Micro ducts of different colours and dimensions Optical cable protection pipes 40/32 and16/12

Multi ducts consist of a number of micro ducts held together by a plastic sheath.

Multi duct (several micro ducts with common sheath) Optical cable protection pipe with robust underground cable

Optical cable protection pipe with micro ducts and a micro cable in one of the micro ducts

Splicing techniques The node that we will refer to in the documentation as the station is the last node before the building, containing active equipment, where cross connection (patching) is also done. The splices made at the station are made with pigtails or fan-outs in the distribution boxes. If pre-connectorised distribution boxes are used, joints are either made indoors in junction modules or outdoors in junction boxes. The joints made at the station form part of the station and are not mentioned as a separate item. In the property area node (node 4), cables can be joined in different ways. Joints can be installed in manholes, cabinets at the roadside, indoors or on poles. Material, such as junction boxes, is selected to suit the environment where the joint will be located. A pure butt joint can be made at this point, i.e. all fibres which come into the junction point are butt jointed to another fibre, or you can do a so-called mid span joint. A mid-span joint is when the entire length of an optical cable is laid, irrespective of whether it is a ring or star network. Sufficient cable is installed at each joint (about 20 m), so that a mid-span joint can be made later on. When a joint is to be made, the cable is opened and only some of the fibres in the cable are cut and branched out to the fibres in another cable. The remaining fibres remain uncut and pass by the junction point on their way to the next point on the cable route. The advantage of building networks in this manner is that it saves time and money during installation. It reduces the number of welds and thus reduces the total attenuation in the fibre. If a mid-span joint is to be made on a microcable in a micro duct, it is a good idea to install the micro duct in the junction manhole with the same length that the cable will have later on. The micro duct can subsequently be cut when the cable is to be joined. The illustration below shows two manholes with loops of micro cable in micro duct prepared for later joining.

Installation of micro duct and cable for subsequent jointing.

Documentation
Cables and ducts must be documented by normal cartography and by optical measurements. Tubes and fibre ribbons in junction boxes and distribution boxes must be numbered. All optical cables must be marked with their cable number. Distribution frames, cabinets and distribution boxes should be marked with the owners name and any map coordinates. In addition, an assembly drawing must be made showing the distribution boxes or the positions of the components in cabinets or frames. There will be a large amount of ducting at each junction point. For this reason, be careful to mark all ducting correctly with the address of each building. A line schedule is needed to give a good perspective of the network.

General construction methods

The advantages and disadvantages of each type of network construction mean that must be considered when choosing type of cable. The chapters below describe the installation practice that we regard as most common: I. Robust underground cable and micro cable II. Micro cable III. Aerial cable The solutions that we describe contain all the essential passive components needed: ducting fibre-optical underground cables, micro cables and aerial cables distribution frames and distribution boxes junction boxes and termination cabinets accessories for each product Our product range, which part of the Nexans Citynet Solution, includes all the above products except for the ducts. Appendices 1-8 show our products, everything from cables to accessories. Please contact Nexans for full ordering information.

Construction method I - Robust cable and micro cable

This construction method uses robust cable between the station and the junction point, whereas micro cable is used from the junction point to the building. Cable and ducts From the station (node 2 or 3,) an optical cable protection pipe is installed, through which a robust cable is later blown along a specific distance, where all the junction points are positioned (node 4), depending on how the residential area is laid out. If a star network has been chosen, the optical cable protection pipe is terminated at the last junction point. On the other hand, if a ring network has been chosen, the optical cable protection pipe passes through all the junction points until it arrives at the station. The choice of optical cable protection pipe is determined by the cable you want to install and by future needs. Appendix 1 shows the size of pipe that suits each cable. Our robust cables are found in appendix 2. From the junction point (node 4) to each building (node 5), an optical cable protection pipe of dimension 16/12 is installed to offer the most economical solution. Ducting is drawn all the way to the building. If a customer does not initially want to be connected, a loop is installed at the property boundary. If you do not want to have a loop lying outside the boundary, the duct is terminated and plugged. When the customer subsequently wants to be connected, the duct is extended. In new construction (green field), you might decide to use a electrical utility distribution cable with an integrated low-friction pipe, where the optical cable can be installed later on (Nexans Duolink). From the junction point (node 4), it may be suitable to install multi-ducts for practical reasons in some cases, since a concentration of many ducts could occur at that point. Ducts should be installed together whenever possible, to reduce installation costs. Micro cable is used for the last link between the junction point and the building, please refer to appendix 3. Station You can choose to install stations in different ways, depending on the town or the size of the area. If the station has 1000 terminations, it is a good idea to use a multi-fibre system, please refer to appendix 5. In a smaller station, it is a good idea to use traditional pre-terminated distribution boxes and cabinets. You could also choose accessories intended for termination on site, please refer to appendix 5. If a multi-fibre system (high fibre count) is chosen, the junction between the indoor cable and the incoming cable is made in a junction cabinet indoors. If traditional distribution boxes are used, joints can be made in a junction cabinet, but it is more common practice to use a manhole outdoors, which contains junction boxes.

Junction point Junction points are most commonly made in a junction manhole or cabinet. The bending radius of the able and the size of the junction box must be considered when the manhole or cabinet is chosen. The junction boxes in appendix 6 allow a mid-span joint to be made. The box is also prepared for connection to the many micro-cables that enter buildings. In multi-dwelling properties, the junction points can be located indoors. The cable which joins all junction points must be prepared in accordance with the instructions for the cable and the junction box selected. The fibres required for each junction point are cut and looped into the box. The remaining fibres continue onwards to the next junction point. When a customer is to be connected, the micro cable is then joined to selected fibres from the previously prepared cable. If redundancy is required, fibres can also be jointed in the opposite direction.

Building The cable is terminated in a patching field or wall cabinet (depending on the number of fibres) in the basement or other suitable location. Please refer to appendix 8. Pre-terminated patching fields and wall cabinets are available. If one of these is used, the cable must be installed in the direction from the building towards the junction point.

Construction method II - Micro cable

This construction method uses micro cable all the way between the station via the junction point to the building. Cable and ducts The best way to install micro cables is in micro ducts. The choice of micro cable (please refer to appendix 3) governs the choice of micro duct. There is a table in appendix 1 showing the size of micro duct which suits the chosen cable diameter. So-called multi-ducts are prepared for micro-ducting. Our recommendation is that traditional optical cable protection pipes should be used, and micro-ducts should be blown in afterwards. This does not restrict your choice of cables or micro-ducts later on. From station (node 2 or 3) an optical cable protection pipe is installed, through which micro ducts and micro cables are later blown along a specific distance, where all the junction points are positioned (node 4), depending on how the residential area is laid out. If a star network has been chosen, the optical cable protection pipe is terminated at the last junction point. On the other hand, if a ring network has been chosen, the optical cable protection pipe passes through all the junction points until it arrives at the station. When you install micro cable in a star network, you should install the amount of fibre that meets requirements for the initial installation. Then add an empty micro duct which can be used for subsequent expansion. If a ring network is constructed, micro ducts are blown from one station along the entire extent of the protective pipe. Branching into micro ducts is done later on. The number of micro ducts needed depends on the area in question. If the area is small, only one optical cable protection pipe is needed, of dimension 16/12 mm, through which one micro cable is blown. There are several methods of installing microcables in a ring network. Three different methods are shown below. Alt 1. New branch One or more micro-ducts are extended and continue along a new branch. The micro cable is installed uncut along the entire distance to the last junction point at the end of the new branch. Mid-span jointing is then done at all junction points on the cable, up to the end point. Alt 2. The cable is terminated A micro cable is installed in a micro duct from the station to the junction point where it is terminated. Alt 3. Redundant installation A micro cable is blown through a micro duct along the entire length of the protective pipe, to achieve redundancy. Later on, the cable is cut at the junction point, or a mid-span joint is made. If buildings are erected along the cable route later on, and if the number of fibres has been generously chosen, it will be possible to supply further nodes from the same cable.

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Three ways to install cable in a star network

In alternatives 1 and 2, the section of the micro duct which continues after the branch or junction is not used. Cables can be blown from the opposite direction in most cases, for use by other site areas or to retrofit redundancy into an existing site area. When a cable is going to be installed, the optical cable protection pipe is opened at each junction point and the selected micro ducting is branched (there are various types of branch pipes and quick-connection terminations that can be used). From each junction point (node 4) up to each building (node 5, an optical cable protection pipe is installed. The most economical installation is made with dimension 16/12. The ducts are installed right up to each building.

If a customer does not initially want to be connected, a loop is installed at the property boundary. If you do not want to have a loop lying outside the boundary, the duct is terminated and plugged. When the customer subsequently wants to be connected, the duct is extended. In new construction (green field), you might decide to use a electrical utility distribution cable with an integrated low-friction pipe, where the optical cable can be installed later on (Nexans Duolink). From the junction point (node 4), it may be suitable to install multi-ducts for practical reasons in some cases, since a concentration of many ducts could occur at that point Ducts should be installed together whenever possible, to reduce installation costs. Recommended cables are described in appendix 3.

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Station You can choose to install stations in different ways, depending on the town or the size of the area. If the station has 1000 terminations, it is a good idea to use a multi-fibre system, please refer to appendix 5. In a smaller station, it is a good idea to use traditional pre-terminated distribution boxes and cabinets. You could also choose accessories intended for termination on site, please refer to appendix 5. If a multi-fibre system (high fibre count) is chosen, the junction between the indoor cable and the incoming cable is made in a junction cabinet indoors. If traditional distribution boxes are used, joints can be made in a junction cabinet, but it is more common practice to use a junction manhole outdoors, which contains junction boxes. Junction point Junction points are most commonly made in a junction manhole or cabinet. The bending radius of the able and the size of the junction box must be considered when the manhole or cabinet is chosen. In apartment blocks, the junction point can be located indoors. A junction box is used at each junction point, using a suitable cable gland for micro cable. If a mid-span joint is to be made, a cable gland is needed for this as well.

The cable which joins all junction points must be prepared in accordance with the instructions for the cable and the junction box selected. The fibres required for each junction point are cut and looped into the box. The remaining fibres continue on uncut to the next junction point. When a customer is to be connected, the micro cable is then joined to selected fibres from the previously prepared cable. If redundancy is wanted, fibres can also be jointed in the opposite direction. The service cable (a micro cable in this case) is prepared in accordance with the instructions for the cable and the junction box selected. If a midspan joint is made, the fibres required are cut and looped into the box. The remaining fibres continue on uncut to the next junction point. The fibres to be connected are joined to micro cable which runs to each building in the normal way. Building The cable is terminated in a patching field or wall cabinet (depending on the number of fibres) in the basement or other suitable location. Please refer to appendix 8. Pre-terminated patching field and wall cabinets are available. If one of these is used, the cable must be installed in the direction from the building towards the junction point.

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Construction method III Aerial cable

In this construction method, aerial cables are used between the station and the junction point, whereas micro cables are used from the junction point to the building. Cables and ducts From the station (node 2 or 3), the aerial cable is run to a junction point located on or close to a pole. When aerial cables are used, no ducts are needed. If the installation is for a single property in a rural area, no junction point is made. The aerial cable is run directly down the pole to an underground duct that reaches the property. It is, of course, possible to have an aerial cable that stretches from the last pole to the building. The cable dimension and number of fibres is determined by the area(s) in question and the span between each pole. Our aerial cables are shown in appendix 4. Please refer to appendix 9 for accessories such as tension sets, suspension sets, downlead clamps etc. For further information, please refer to the installation guide Optical cable system for aerial cables, Max 55 kV. From each junction point (node 4), located on or beside a pole, an optical cable protection pipe of dimension 16/12 mm is installed up to each property. If possible, a loop should be installed at the property boundary or the duct should be terminated with an end plug. When a property is to be connected later on, the duct is extended. We recommend that micro cable should be used for the stretch between the junction point and the building. Station Aerial cables are frequently used in smaller towns and areas where it is advantageous to use aerial cable. For this reason, it is probable that the station will serve a smaller number of customers which in turn involves a smaller number of fibres. In this case, it is a good idea to use pre-terminated junction boxes which are located in cabinets or frames at the station. Alternatively, you can choose to use accessories designed for termination on site, please refer to appendix 5. If it is a large station, where there is only a small percentage of aerial cable, it is of course possible to use the multi-fibre system (high fibre count), please refer to appendix 5. If pre-terminated distribution boxes are used, the cable between the box and the aerial cable should be joined in a junction box located in a manhole or junction cabinet outside the station.

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Junction point When joints are made in aerial cables, there are various ways to protect cables and boxes, either in a cable reel on the pole, junction cabinet on or beside the pole, junction manhole beside or adjacent to the pole. The choice is governed by ground conditions, land owners, costs, height above ground and accessibility. The choice should also consider the cable bending radius and the size of the junction box. If the installation contains a joint between a multi-fibre aerial optical cable and several micro cables, a junction box with cable glands for micro cable is used, please refer to appendix 6. In this case, it can be suitable to use a cabinet, since this makes it easer to manage many cables. Aerial cables are also suitable for mid-span jointing if there are many branching points along a line. The fibres to be used are joined to the micro cables which go to each building in ducts in accordance with the previously mentioned principles. If redundancy is required, cables can also be jointed in the opposite direction.

Building The cable is terminated in a patching field or wall cabinet (depending on the number of fibres) in the basement or other suitable location. Please refer to appendix 8. Pre-terminated patching field and wall cabinets are available. If one of these is used, the cable must be installed in the direction from the building towards the junction point.

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Tips and advice

Installation with compressed air (blowing) All ducts should be the low-friction type with smooth or ribbed silicone coated inside. It is a general rule, for best results, that the inner diameter of the pipe should be 1.5 2 x cable outer diameter. Another dimension commonly used is that the cable should achieve 60% filling. If the air streams are to function satisfactorily, the pipe must not be squeezed. With as little as 15% of squeezing, the air streams are negatively affected. A gauge plug should be sent through the pipe before it is used, to ensure acceptable pipe performance. The gauge should have slightly smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the pipe. If a slim cable is used in a large pipe, you can compensate the problem by using a pull shuttle or you can blow a narrow pipe through the existing pipe. You can blow a cable or pipe into an existing pipe provided that the pipe diameter is large enough. You can blow micro ducts into a pipe with existing cables provided that the pipe diameter is large enough. The distance that a cable can be blown depends to a large extent on how the ducting has been arranged (no squeezing, sharp angles etc). Blow the pipe clean with sponge rubber etc. Check that it comes out clean. Use lubricant carefully. Too much can affect the result negatively. Fibre optical cable If long lengths are installed outdoors, PE sheathed cable with a slotted core are recommended. No more than 5 m length of PE sheathed cable should be installed indoors unless it has been fire/flame protected (refer to national regulations). Cables with a slotted core should be selected for best mechanical protection. Bending radius during installation is 20 times outer diameter. Bending radius for installed cable is 15 times outer diameter. Never exceed the tension strength values specified in the data sheet. Fibre optical components Use the same type and manufacturer of the fibres, or make sure that the fibres are compatible in all cables, irrespective of whether they are intended for outdoor installation in ducts or are in a pre-terminated distribution box, fan-out, fibre tail or distribution cable. Use SC connectors and adapters in your network if possible. This is because of their low cost and wide commercial availability. Always specify the following parameters for your fibre-optical terminations: attenuation, back reflection attenuation and dimension such as radius, offset and fibre protrution/insertion. These are the parameters that determine the quality of the product and provide secure, reliable function in future. Junction boxes for outdoor installation in manholes or direct in the ground must comply with IP68 classification. Pre-terminated distribution boxes should preferably be used when cables are to be terminated in a cross-connection point. This is due to quality, cost and future reliability.

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Dictionary
Fibre type Pre-terminated Distribution box Mid-span joint Micro cable Micro duct Multi duct ODF Optical cable protection pipe Redundancy Slotted core Station Junction point Wall box Wall cabinet Fibres standardised according to ITU-T. For single mode G.652 and for multimode G.651. Factory assembled ready-made passive fibre-optical termination equipment located in some kind of box with the desired length of cable. Box for installing fibre-optical terminations. An uncut cable is stripped in the middle of a length, where only selected fibres are cut and joined. Cables intended to be blown through micro ducts. Small, light, flexible tube with outer diameter less than16 mm. Several micro ducts with a common sheath. Optical distribution field Duct for installation of cables or micro ducts. Several alternative communication paths. A GRP (glass fibre reinforced plastics) core is coated with polyethylene which is formed into a slotted profile. A node 2 or 3 in a network is a physical station. A node 4 in a network is a physical junction point in a junction box etc. Fibre optical termination in a building (node 5), max 4 fibres. Fibre optical termination in a large building, up to 72 fibres.

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Appendix 1 - Table for duct estimation

This table is intended to show the pipes which suit various cable dimensions, by rule of thumb. This is intended to create the best conditions when you blow cables through ducts. No blowing lengths are included in this table, since this is largely governed by how the ducts are installed.
Cable data Cable Robust duct cable GASLDV
No. of fibres pipe dim 50/40 40/32 32/28 25/21 20/16 16/12 12/9 Cable dim 10/8 12/8 7/5,5 5/3,5 Mid sp Blue Tens. Comp seg. (kN) (kN)

384 192 96 48 4-24

19,8 16,4 13,2 10 7,9 15,4 13 10,8 18,5 11,1 10

1,5 1,5 1,5 1 0,7 2 2 2 2 1,5 1

3 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 2 2 2

GRSLDV

96 72 12-48

GRHLDV

192 96 12-72

Robust combi-cable Indoors/outdoors GASQBDUV 384 192 96 48 4-24 GRSQBDV 96 72 4-48 GRHQBDV 144 96 72 GAGQBDUV 8-12 4 Micro cable MB-0814 B-Lite MB-0613 B-Lite UB32 B-Lite UT30 B-Lite UT21 B-Lite UT16 B-Lite 96 48-72 24 8-12 2-6 2-4 7,2 5,4 4 3,9 3,3 2,5 Legend Best ducting type, according to rule of thumb Good ducting type, according to rule of thumb Possible ducting type 0,7 0,7 0,15 0,15 0,15 0,15 1 1 2 2 2 2 21 18,2 12 10,7 9,2 16,4 12,9 10,4 15,2 11,8 10,8 7 5,5 1,5 1,5 1,5 1 0,7 2 2 1 1 1 1 0,4 0,4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 1 1

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Appendix 2 - Traditional robust fibre optical cable

Fibre-optical cables with slotted core and fibre ribbons GASLDV 4-384 fibres Outdoor installation in ducts Slotted core for extra mechanical protection Fibre Ribbon Optical filling compound Halogen-free polyethylene sheath Fibre-optical cable, very suitable for blowing into opto-ducts. The cable is available with a large number of fibres, as many as 384 fibres. The fibres are joined together in 4 or 8 fibre ribbons (8 fibre ribbons for 96,192 and 384 fibres). GASQBDUV 4-384 Indoor and outdoor installation in ducts Slotted core for extra mechanical protection Fibre Ribbon Water-swelling material Halogen-free flame-proofed sheath Fire spread class F4C Dry fibre-optical combined cable for indoor installation and outdoor installation in ducts. The fibres are joined together in 4 or 8 fibre ribbons (8 fibre ribbons for 96,192 and 384 fibres). The cable complies with fire requirements under IEC 60332-3, cat C which corresponds with fire propagation class F4C under SS 424 14 75.

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Fibre-optical cables with slotted core and loose tubes GRSLDV 4-96 fibres Outdoor installation in ducts Slotted core for extra mechanical protection Polyester tubes with optical filling compound Optical filling compound for lengthways water-tightness Halogen-free polyethylene sheath Fibre-optical cable, very suitable for blowing into opto-ducts. The tubes are well-protected inside the slotted core. GRSQBDV 4-96 fibres Indoor and outdoor installation Slotted core for extra mechanical protection Polyester tubes with optical filling compound Water-swelling tape Halogen-free flame-proofed sheath Fire spread class F2 Dry fibre-optical combined cable for indoor installation and outdoor installation in ducts. The cable complies with fire requirements under IEC 60332-3, cat C which corresponds with fire propagation class F2 according to SS 424 14 75.

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Fibre-optical cables with Loose Tube around a central strength member GRHLDV 12-192 fibres Outdoor installation in ducts Centred glass fibre strain relief Polyester tubes with optical filling compound Optical filling compound Halogen-free polyethylene sheath Single centre span Fibre-optical cable, very suitable for blowing into opto-ducts. Does not contain a slotted core. GRHQBDV 12-144 fibres Indoor and outdoor installation Centred glass fibre strain relief Polyester tubes with optical filling compound Water-swelling tape Halogen-free flame-proofed sheath Fire spread class F2 Single centre span Dry fibre-optical combined cable for indoor installation and outdoor installation in ducts. The cable complies with fire requirements under IEC 60332-1 which corresponds with fire propagation class F2 according to SS 424 14 75.

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Appendix 3 Fibre optical micro cable

Fibre-optical micro cables with micro tubes Fibre-optical micro cables with micro tubes in a Central tube

MB-0814 B-Lite 96 fibres MB-0613 B-Lite 48-72 fibres Outdoor installation in ducts Centred glass fibre strain relief Up to 8 micro tubes Aramid yarn with swelling powder for increased strain relief and lengthways water tightness Halogen-free polyethylene sheath Single centre span Cable designed for blowing into micro ducts.

UB32 B-Lite 24 fibres Outdoor installation in ducts Central tube with optical filling compound 3 micro tubes in a Central tube Aramid yarn for strain relief Halogen-free polyethylene sheath Cable designed for blowing into micro ducts.

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Fibre optical micro cables with loose fibres in central tube

Cables with fibre ribbons in central tube

UT16 B-Lite 2-4 fibres UT21 B-Lite 2-6 fibres UT30 B-Lite 8-12 fibres Outdoor installation in ducts Central tube with optical filling compound Loose fibres in Central tube Aramid yarn for strain relief Halogen-free polyethylene sheath Cable designed for blowing into micro ducts.

GAGQBDUV Indoor and outdoor installation Central tube with 2 glassfibre rods for increased tensile strength Fibre Ribbon Water swelling yarn Halogen-free flame protected sheath Fire protection class F4C Dry fibre-optical combined cable for indoor installation and outdoor installation in ducts. The cable complies with fire requirements under IEC 60332-3, cat C which corresponds with fire propagation class F4C according to SS 424 14 75.

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Appendix 4 - Fibre optical cable for aerial installation

GARLCV Outdoor installation aerial normal span 70 meter Polyester Central tube with optical filling compound Steel wire for strain relief Halogen free polyethylene sheath Fibre optical cable with metallic suspension cable for aerial installation. There are welltested techniques for end strain relief and intermediate suspension. GRGLDV 4-12 fibres Outdoor installation, aerial or in ducts Polyester central tube with optical filling compound Loose fibres Aramid yarn for increased tensile strength Polyethylene sheath Metal-free aerial optical cable for spans of up to 50 metre. There are well-tested techniques for end strain relief and intermediate suspension. This design can also be blown through optical ducts.

GRSSLLDV Aerial outdoor installation Slotted core with glass fibre rod as the centre element Polyester tubes with optical filling compound Optical filling compound for lengthways water tightness Aramid yarn for strain relief Double polyethylene sheaths Fibre optical cable for installation aerial. The cable type is intended for use with power lines of lower voltage than 55 kV and not more than 12 kN tensile load.

There are well-tested techniques for end strain relief and intermediate suspension. Please refer to the installation manual for more information. Optical cable system for aerial cables Max 55 kV.

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Appendix 5 - Stations
Large station for handling a large number of fibres The facility to handle a large number of fibres is needed in some urban environments. Nexans have the passive components needed to construct all types of fibre installations in stations. Nexans N3S system The optical distribution frame (ODF), splicing frame, splicing module, patching frame, patching modules and a complete solution for management of cable harnesses and cables. Frames are available in several alternative heights. Two of these are 2200x600x300 mm and 2000x600x300 mm. Each main distribution frame is equipped with a built-in cable ladder for the harnesses. Cables are installed on ladders installed in the main distribution rooms. The distribution boxes, which are pre-terminated, are available in three sizes, 48, 96 or 192 fibres. The splicing module consists of 8 fold-out cassettes. 96 fibres can be joined in each cassette (12 divisible 8 fibre ribbons). For more information, please contact Nexans IKO Sweden AB. Capacity in patching frame: Height 2200 mm: Each frame can manage 1536 SC terminals or 3072 MU or LC terminals. Height 2000 mm: Each frame can manage 1344 SC terminals or 2688 MU or LC terminals. Capacity in splicing frame: Height 2200 mm: Each frame can manage 7680 fibre joints with 8 fibre ribbons. Height 2200 mm: Each frame can manage 3840 fibre joints with loose fibres. Height 2000 mm: Each frame can manage 6912 fibre joints with 8 fibre ribbons. Height 2000 mm: Each frame can manage 3456 fibre joints med loose fibres. Nexans N3S-system for a large number of fibres in the station environment is shown below.

From front

Rear

Pulled out ODF

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Smaller stations In smaller stations, where a lower number of fibres will be handled, traditional frame solutions can be used (unless you are building for future density increase, in that case, a compact multi-fibre (high fibre count) system should be used). This means that a frame or box is installed at the station, which is used for patching, cable management, active equipment and any joints. The patching field can be arranged on site, using loose components where you weld the fibre tails or fan-outs yourself and install them in the box. The patching field can also be purchased pre-terminated, where all the terminations are installed at the factory, Pre-terminated patching fields are available in the following sizes: 12, 24, 48, 96 or 192 fibres. Examples of accessories unitwise

Patching field, KB 112

Cable guide

Adapters

Pigtail

Fan-out

Cassette/ joint holder

There is an optional strain relief kit for micro cables or micro tubes for the KB112 . This makes it possible to take in and terminate and/or join up to 12 cables/tubes containing a total of 48 fibres.

Strain relief kit for 12 cables/tubes

Pre-terminated patching field, KB112

Floor cabinet, Quick Mount

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Appendix 6 Fibre optical splice boxes

For robust fibre optical cable Fibre optical splice boxes are used for joining fibre optical cables. Nexans splicing closure system includes several solutions, depending on cable type, number of fibres and application. When robust cable is used, a large number of fibres (48-384) are often installed between the station and the junction points. In the junction point, the desired number of fibres is branched out and the other fibres continue to the next junction box. The fibres which are branched out continue in cables with fewer fibres (2-24), depending on what the cable is going to be connected to. 2-4 fibres are frequently installed to a private house and 1224 fibres can be a good choice for an apartment block. For fibre optical micro cable Nexans splicing closure system is designed to be able to handle just a few or many fibres at the same time, where the fibres can emerge from several cables of different diameters. In practice, this means that all splice closures can be provided with mechanically sealed inlets/outlets for up to 72 cables of diameter 2-27 mm and handle up to 1200 fibres. For fibre optical aerial cable Nexans have developed a construction system for aerial installation. The system is complete, with all products from station to customer, containing cables, junction boxes, strain relief and suspension devices, plus readyterminated products. All Nexans splice closures are available with a patching fields.

Example of splice closures with patching field.

Example of cable gland for micro cable

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WTC0.5 Fibre optical junction box, type WTC0.5 is intended for installation in a manhole or on a pole. WTC0.5 has 2 separate cable inputs. These inputs can be provided with mechanical glands for 1-12 cables (max 24), depending on cable diameter (2-27 mm).

WTC2 WTC2 fibre optical junction box intended for installation in a manhole or on a pole. WTC2 has 6 separate cable inputs. These inputs can be provided with mechanical glands for 1-12 cables (max 72) depending on cable diameter (2-27 mm).

WTC1 Fibre optical junction box, type WTC1 intended for installation in a manhole or on a pole. WTC1 has 4 separate cable inputs. These inputs can be provided with mechanical glands for 1-12 cables (max 48), depending on cable diameter (2-27 mm).

DSC Fibre optical junction box, type DSC intended for installation in a manhole. DSC has 6 separate cable inputs. These inputs can be provided with mechanical glands for 1-12 cables (max 72), depending on cable diameter (2-27 mm).

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Accessories All Nexans fibre optical splice closures are provided with mechanical glands for all connected cables. This means that no heat shrink material is used. This prevents involuntary damage to fibres and cables due to application of heat. To help you, Nexans have prepared a number of basic configurations where a pre-determined number of cables and a fixed number of fibres can be connected. These items can of course be supplemented to suit other configurations.

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Appendix 7 Fibre optical joint and termination cabinet for wall installation
Cros Micropticable Fibre optical wall cabinet for joining up to 48 fibres, but also supports termination of up to 12 fibres (SC connectors). Cros Micropticable wall cabinets are intended for use as fibre junction points by installing them in the basement etc. From this point, 1-12 fibres can be terminated in active equipment or direct to the customer. The wall cabinet has a mid span input and is prepared to support micro-ducting and/or micro cables such as Nexans Micropticable. The wall cabinet is supplied complete with cable anchorages, panel plate and cassettes. Please ask Nexans about other material. Cros UTC Fibre optical wall cabinet for splicing up to 96 fibres. Cros UTC wall cabinets are intended for use as fibre junction points by installing them in the basement etc. From this point, up to 36 cables can be run straight to customers. The wall cabinet has a mid span input and is prepared to support micro-ducting and/or micro cables such as Nexans Micropticable. The wall cabinet is supplied complete with cable anchorings and cassettes.

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Cros Plus I Fibre optical wall cabinet for splicing up to 96 fibres, but also supports termination of up to 48 fibres (SC connectors). Cros Micropticable wall cabinets are intended for use as fibre junction points by installing them in the basement etc. From this point, up to 48 fibres can be terminated in active equipment or direct to the customer. The wall cabinet has a mid span input and is prepared to support micro-ducting and/or micro cables such as Nexans Micropticable. The wall cabinet is supplied complete with cable anchorages, panel plate and cassettes. Please ask Nexans about other material.

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Appendix 8 Fibre optical customer termination unit for wall mounting

Cros Premium Compact fibre optical wall cabinet (345x240x45 mm) for termination of up to 12 fibres (SC connectors). Cros Premium wall cabinets are intended for use as the interface between the operator and the customer. Cros Premium cabinets can be locked with two different key systems for customer/operator. Customer terminal Pre-terminated fibre-optical customer termination unit for installation in an apartment or private house. Contains 2 or 4 fibre-optical SC connectors. Customer termination units are supplied for use with the following types of cable: GAGQBDUV, TB or Nexans Micropticable range UT, UB or MB.

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Appendix 9 Accessories for aerial cables

Installation material for fibre optical aerial cable Nexans have complete solutions for all fibre optical cables for aerial installation. This means that you, as the customer, can purchase all the products used for installing the cable, such as tension sets, suspension devices and cable clamps.

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Appendix 10 - Other material

A considerable amount of other material and tools are needed to construct a complete fibre optical network, such as cutting and stripping tools, cleaning products and fibre optical patch cables. These products and many more are included in Nexans product range.

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Nexans SE-514 81 Grimss SWEDEN Tel +46 325 800 00 Fax +46 325 803 20 www.nexans.se

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NETWORK CONSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION - 3 ways to construct Fibre-To-The-Home

Nov 2005 Nexans