Fiber cables for public communications: State-of-the-art technologies and the future

This paper reviews the state-of-the-art of fiber cable technology used in the public network, and discusses some of the advances required to extend the fiber network into the subscriber loop for the cost-effective implementation of the Broad-band Integrated Services Digital Network (BISDN) of the future. Emphasis is placed on identifying cable structures which are optimized for the different parts of the public network, such as the trunk, loop-feeder, and distribution plant. The technologies addressed include fiber and coating design, cable structures, installation, splicing, connectorization, and reliability issues.