In a tight corner [Optical fibre cable management]

Abstract

With the advent of reduced bend radius optical fibre, many engineers and technicians have become a little blase about the handling and management of fibre in the network. Reduced bend radius fibre is a huge innovation for optical networks because it allows more flexibility in bending fibre around tight corners without any discernible increase in attenuation. These fibres are often referred to as 'bend insensitive,' or 'bend resistant' - terms that can be somewhat misleading when it comes to the actual capabilities of the fibre. Service providers and network architects need to know the differences between the realities and myths surrounding the use of reduced bend radius fibre in their networks. This paper explains the myths and realities of reduced bend radius fibre and how it should be handled and installed for maximum service life.