What is FTTH Figure 8 Cable

FTTH Figure 8 Cable

1.FTTH Figure 8 Cable (also known as GYTC8A optical cable) is a self-supporting optical cable designed for outdoor environments. Its name comes from its outer sheath structure with an '8'-shaped cross-section. The cable integrates the suspension wire and the optical fiber unit, combining tensile strength and lightweight characteristics, and is suitable for a variety of scenarios such as overhead, direct burial and short-distance direct connection.

As a key component of the 'last mile' of the FTTH network, Figure 8 Cable is widely used in home broadband access, remote communications and network backbone connections. Its core advantages lie in its rapid deployment without welding and its ability to withstand harsh environments. According to industry standards (such as ITU-T G.657A/G.652D), its transmission performance can support up to 1.25Gbps symmetrical bandwidth, meeting bandwidth requirements in the next decade.

2. Cable structure and material properties

2.1 Core construction

Figure 8 Cable adopts a modular layered design, which includes the following components:

1. Fiber unit: usually contains 1-4 cores of single-mode fiber (SMF), using low-bend-sensitive fiber (such as G.657A), with a minimum bending radius of up to 15mm (static), ensuring signal stability in complex wiring environments.

2. Central loose tube: The loose tube wrapped around the optical fiber is filled with waterproof gel to prevent moisture penetration and alleviate the impact of temperature changes and mechanical stress on the fiber core.

3. Reinforcement members and suspension wires:

FRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic): distributed parallel to both sides of the optical fiber, providing compression protection (≥500N/100mm). 

Steel suspension wire: integrated in the upper part of the 8-shaped sheath, with a tensile strength of up to 80N (short-term) and 40N (long-term), supporting long-span overhead installation.

4. Outer sheath: Made of LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) or HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) material, with UV protection, corrosion resistance and flame retardant properties, applicable temperature range -20℃ to +60℃.

2.2 Comparison of material advantages

 3. Core advantages of FTTH Figure 8 Cable

3.1 Anti-environmental interference capability

Moisture-proof and temperature-resistant: The central loose tube and waterproof gel design can operate stably in an environment with humidity > 95% or temperature fluctuations (-20℃~+60℃).

Anti-UV and mechanical stress: The HDPE sheath provides IP67 protection, resists UV aging and wind and snow impact, and has a service life of more than 25 years.

3.2 Convenient installation

Self-supporting design: The integrated suspension wire reduces the need for additional supporting structures and can be directly hung on poles or building facades, saving 30% of deployment time.

Lightweight and flexible: The typical weight is only 21kg/km, supports manual deployment, and is suitable for narrow spaces (such as corridors and pipelines).

3.3 Economical

Low maintenance cost: The passive structure reduces the number of fault points, and the average annual maintenance cost is 50% lower than that of traditional optical cables.

High bandwidth compatibility: Supports multiple protocols such as GPON/EPON/XGS-PON to avoid repeated wiring due to technology upgrades.

4. Application scenarios and case analysis

4.1 Typical application areas

1.Aerial installation

Applicable to long span areas such as rural and mountainous areas, with a maximum span of 100 meters. It is fixed by steel suspension wires and cable ties, and has a wind load resistance of 12 levels.

2.FTTH last mile access

As a drop cable, it directly connects the optical splitter (OLT) and the user terminal (ONT). The attenuation value is ≤0.3dB/km (1310nm), meeting the telecommunications standard.

3.Network backbone and emergency communication

In natural disasters or urban transformation, it can quickly restore optical fiber links, support 80N short-term tension, and meet temporary wiring needs.

4.2 Successful cases

Urban Broadband Project: 500 kilometers of overhead wiring was completed using Figure 8 Cable, the deployment cycle was shortened by 40%, and the failure rate was less than 0.1 times/year.

Smart city sensor network: Connect smart street lights and monitoring equipment through high-density Figure 8 Cable to achieve 10Gbps data transmission.

5. Rapid deployment methods and best practices

5.1 Deployment process

Planning and measurement: Determine the number of optical cable cores based on the span and splitting ratio (1:32/1:64), and reserve 10% redundancy.

Wiring fixation: Use pre-installed suspension wires to suspend the optical cable, and set cable ties at intervals of 50 meters to prevent sagging.

Termination and testing: Use cold connection technology (such as mechanical quick connectors), insertion loss ≤ 0.3dB, and verify link attenuation through OTDR.

5.2 Notes

Temperature adaptability: The installation temperature must be within the range of -5℃ to +50℃ to avoid embrittlement or deformation of the sheath.

Bending radius control: Dynamic bending radius ≥ 30mm (G.657A) to prevent optical fiber micro-bending loss.

Conclusion and Outlook

FTTH Figure 8 Cable has become the preferred solution for outdoor fiber optic network construction due to its structural innovation and environmental adaptability. In the future, with the popularization of 5G and the Internet of Things, its potential for supporting multiple services (such as telemedicine and industrial automation) will be further released. It is recommended that operators give priority to using this type of optical cable in new projects and combine it with intelligent ODN (optical distribution network) technology to achieve efficient management throughout the life cycle.

OEM & Customized FTTH Solutions 

HUALUE provides Figure‑8 fiber jumpers/self-supporting optical cables, with one-stop production throughout the entire process, supporting customized length, sheath, and logo. From product design, material selection to specification parameters, we support full-process customized customization to meet the needs of different scenarios, whether it is short-distance jumpers or complex environment wiring, it can be accurately matched.