A sensing cable is provided which includes exposed and/or unexposed optical fibers or wires disposed through the length of the sensing cable. The sensing cable includes a slotted core which is a one-piece integral member having a plurality of channels formed on a perimeter of the slotted core and which extend along a length of the slotted core. The sensing cable includes at least one exposed component which is disposed in a first channel of the plurality of channels and which extends along a length of the first channel. The sensing cable includes at least one unexposed component which is encased by a protective member, and the unexposed component and the protective member are disposed in a second channel of the plurality of channels. The unexposed component and the protective member extend along a length of the second channel.