International. COFITEL Group has presented the IFT range of flexible fiber optic cables from the manufacturer OPTRAL that, based on microtubes, are especially suitable in indoor applications of FTTx deployment. These cables offer a novel concept with small diameter and ease of application by minimizing the necessary bypass and splice elements.
The IFT models have an ivory cover and a halogen-free, low-smoke and flame retardant (LSZH) thermoplastic material that is suitable for vertical installation (riser type). And, by minimizing the presence of gel inside the cable, there is no problem associated with axial migration. The flexibility and ease of peeling of the microtubes and their accessibility through bleeding windows also contribute to meeting the needs of vertical distribution plant by plant.
To provide the precise resistance in each installation, the traction elements are embedded in the roof. These are two FRPs (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) arranged at 180°. Thus, the cover itself absorbs the traction of the cable, freeing the microwires from this effort, and provides stability when facing problems of expansions and contractions caused by environmental thermal variations.
The IFT indoor range consists of the MicroTube I-FT06 (with capacity of up to 24 optical fibers) and MicroTube I-FT12 (up to 48 fibers) versions. The two variants are offered with an outer diameter of 6.5 and 8 mm and up to four active tubes. The I-FT06 microtubes can accommodate 6 fibers per tube (6, 12, 18 and 24 fibers), while the I-FT12 have 12 fibers per tube (12, 24, 36 and 48 fibers).
Options include other types of fibers available on demand and special color coding. In addition, the arrival in the near future of FT2 and FT4 modules (2 and 4 fibers per tube, respectively) is expected. These fully dielectric cables, which also feature water-blocking fiberglass and ripping wire, operate in the temperature range of -15 to 60°C and meet IEC 60794-1-21 and IEC 60794-1-22 standards.
