| 摘要 |
A spliceless optical fiber cable has a main distribution cable having a plurality of optical fibers disposed therein and at least one stub or drop cable extending from the distribution cable at one or more branch points. The stub or drop cables are configured with the distribution cable in a manner such that no splices are required. At each branch point, an optical fiber branch module is utilized for protecting the optical fibers from moisture and mechanical damage, providing a strong anchoring point for the stub or drop cable, and insuring that the minimum bend radius is not violated. The spliceless optical fiber cable is made by accessing the specified optical fibers at a disconnect point along the length of the distribution cable and cutting the specified optical fibers. At the branch point, the specified optical fibers are again accessed and carefully pulled from within the buffer tube and protective elements of the distribution cable so that a length of the specified optical fibers is disposed outside of the distribution cable. The disposed length of the specified optical fibers is then inserted into a stub sheath, the stub sheath then being anchored to the optical fiber branch module. Heat-recoverable material is used to seal the branch point and disconnect point. Because the optical fiber branch module can be, in some cable configurations, relatively small (an outer diameter of no greater than 1.25 inches and a length of no greater than five inches), the spliceless fiber optic cable, after manufacture, may be wound in reels for subsequent deployment without incurring cable or fiber damage and, further, may be deployed in standard PVC piping having a 1.25 inch inner diameter. The spliceless fiber optic cable may also be preconnectorized.
|
