Fiber Optic Cable Installation

Fiber optic communication is the method of transmitting information from one place to another by sending pulses of infrared or visible light through an optical fiber. The current technologically advanced economic climate calls for fiber as the preferred medium over electrical cabling when high bandwidth, long distance, or immunity to electromagnetic interference is required. Fiber optic communication, when compared to other methods of data transfer, such as copper wire, has a vast number of benefits; from superior data transmission speeds to better transmission distance with minimal signal loss. When comparing the physical aspects of fiber optic cable to other mediums, fiber optic cables have a much lighter weight, a smaller diameter, and the ability to avoid corrosion and rust due to a non-metallic construction. These characteristics have placed fiber optics at the top of the list for communications in today’s world. However, it is important to note that the types of cabling – copper, fiber, or wireless – can differ according to the requirements stipulated. Depending on the project and cost, many networks combine all three types of cabling.

At VEST DISTINCTION, we are in the business of Fiber Optic Cable Installation. As competent contractors, we perform civil engineering works, fiber optic cable laying, set-up of cabinets and “wall boxes” or termination enclosures, fiber splicing, vertical (riser) and horizontal (floor) cabling, as well as jointing and testing of laid fiber optic cable components. In other words, we handle the planning, designing, implementation, and commissioning of fiber optic infrastructure, specializing in Outside plant (OSP) installations of fiber optic cables.

Essentially, OSP refers to all the equipment, cables, and infrastructure that are located outside of a building. Outside plant (OSP) installations of fiber optic cables can be much more diverse than premises installations. There are several types of outdoor fiber optic cables for communication systems. Built with outdoor elements in mind, each cable has differences in design and placement. For OSP and specifically for long-distance applications, we at VEST DISTINCTION recommend utilizing single-mode (SM) optical fiber cable as opposed to the multimode (MM) optical fiber cable. However, both these types of optical fibers have their attributes and are used as per the specific requirements, depending primarily on budget and applications.

OSP installations at VEST DISTINCTION fall into two broad categories: pole line aerial installation and underground cable installation. Each type of cable installation uses different procedures, tools, and even cables. A single route may include several types of installation, as the route may cross long distances; open fields, along paved rural or urban roads, crossroads, ravines, rivers or lakes, or, more likely, some combination of all of these.  It could require buried cables, aerial cables, or underwater cables. The cable may be in a conduit, inner duct, or direct buried. Aerial cables may be self-supporting or lashed to a messenger. Some routes might even include crossing water, so the cable may be underwater or be lashed across a bridge with other cables.

Pole line aerial installation of fiber optic refers to a kind of fiber optic cable that is designed and placed between poles by being lashed to a wire rope messenger strand with a small gauge wire.

Deploying fiber above ground on poles or towers removes the need for underground digging and is particularly useful when the ground is uneven, rocky, or both.

There are different aerial fiber cable methods of installation, depending on the project timeline and budget constraints. Our technicians adhere to strict specifications to avoid complications in the future. Essentially, there are four steps to installing aerial optical cables correctly: knowing the tools and materials, the installation hardware, careful planning, and installation methodology depending on site requirements.

An alternate method of cable installation is underground. In this context, fiber optic cable installation can be buried directly underground or placed into a buried duct.

For an underground installation, the optical fiber cables are either plowed in or buried in a trench. At VEST DISTINCTION, the methodology implemented to lay the cable is usually Open Trenching or Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), following the requirements of the project and the terrain of the route specified as well as a multitude of other considerations to be factored in.

Fiber optic cables can also be pulled through underground ducts, which protect the cables from harsh environments. Underground duct installation also provides an opportunity for future expansion without the need to dig. This is the most common practice in urban areas.

Underground placement is necessary and unavoidable in certain areas for various reasons such as nature and heritage conservation, natural obstacles, aesthetics, space, and safety. Placing cables underground has the added benefits of reducing transmission losses, aiding planning consent, and reducing the risk of service supply loss through extreme weather. Installation of Fiber Optic Cables For our fiber optic cable installation projects assigned to us by our clients, we adhere to all the requirements and have the customizations implemented according to the client’s specifications. Each project will have a set of specifications and conditions that require its own distinctive engineering and construction plan as every project is different depending on the expected outcome. A broad process flow would be as below:

1. Route Survey and Inspection

Our team will be dispatched to visit the site for a pre-survey, and this will be carried out at the earliest point in time. Outside plant routes need to be driven or walked every foot of the way to determine the best options for cable placement, obstacles to avoid or overcome, and to determine what local entities may have input into the routing. Our engineer will conduct a route survey and inspect before cable installation. Manholes and ducts will be inspected to determine the optimum splice locations and duct assignments. To move to the next step of creating a detailed installation plan, the engineer must map the route and do another survey if needed to ensure that all the factors are considered when developing the route- including cable pulling locations, intermediate assist points, and cable feed locations.

2. Planning and Mapping

After the rounds of on-site surveys, our engineers work with satellite images overlaid on roads as well as survey information to start designing the route, noting other utilities along the route on the map, and checking with groups that document the current utilities to prevent damage off currently installed pipes and cables. The plan will be designed to ensure that the cables are installed most efficiently and to avoid any obstacles that may cause damage to the cables. The design will take into account the location of existing infrastructure such as water mains, gas pipelines, and other utilities. In this stage, there are routine checks on the equipment and components needed and other factors such as the check for maximum rated cable load (MRCL) to ensure it adheres to cable documentation requirements and ensuring that when using pulling equipment to install cables, the MRCL is not exceeded. Once we establish the route plan,  determine the coordination with the respective parties involved, complete the relevant documentation as well as develop the test and restoration plans, we commence our project plan within the allocated timeline.

3. Civil Construction

With the commencement of construction, the documentation, drawings, bill of materials, as well as instructions, will be completed and executed accordingly. With proper permits and guidelines by our team to inspect the workmanship at every stage of construction. There is a daily review of progress and the safety rules are strictly adhered to at every step. From the preparation for cable laying and installation to cable pulling to splicing and termination.

4. Testing and Commissioning

In the last stage, we ensure to execute the test and restoration plans. If there are any issues, the technicians in the team will troubleshoot. The network is tested to ensure that it is functioning correctly. This is done using specialized equipment that checks the signal strength and quality of the network. The test data on the cable plant is reviewed by our engineer, who will then update and provide the final documentation.