Comparing Armoured vs. Non-Armoured, Indoor vs. Outdoor Fiber Optic Cables: Key Differences and Applications

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Introduction

Fiber optic cables are essential for high-speed data transmission, and their construction varies based on their intended use. The two primary distinctions are between armored and non-armored cables, and between indoor and outdoor cables. Each type has specific features that make it suitable for particular environments and applications. This blog explores these differences and guides you on selecting the appropriate cable type for your needs.

1. Armoured vs. Non-Armoured Cables

Armored Cables

Characteristics	Design: Armoured cables have an additional protective layer made of materials such as steel or aluminum. This armour is typically positioned between the cable’s outer jacket and its internal components. Protection: Provides enhanced protection against physical damage, including impacts, abrasions, and rodent attacks. Types of Armour: Steel Tape Armour (STA): A steel tape is wrapped around the cable to provide mechanical protection. Steel Wire Armour (SWA): Steel wires are woven around the cable to offer high-strength protection. Aluminum Tape Armour (ATA): An aluminum tape is used for protection and to shield against electromagnetic interference
Advantages	Durability: Ideal for environments where physical damage is a concern, such as industrial settings or locations with potential rodent issues. Mechanical Protection: Provides additional mechanical protection, making the cable suitable for direct burial applications or installations in areas prone to heavy traffic or machinery
Disadvantages	Cost: Generally more expensive than non-armored cables due to the additional materials and manufacturing processes. Flexibility: Less flexible than non-armored cables, which can make installation more challenging in tight spaces or complex routes.
Applications	Direct Burial: Suitable for installations where the cable will be buried directly in the ground. Industrial Settings: Used in environments with high potential for physical damage or where rodent activity is a concern. External Installations: Ideal for external installations where protection against environmental factors and physical impacts is needed

Non-Armoured Cables 

Characteristics	Design: Non-armoured cables lack the additional protective layer and are typically lighter and more flexible. Protection: Generally protected by a standard outer jacket, which provides basic protection against environmental factors and physical damage
Advantages	Cost-Effective: More affordable than armored cables due to simpler construction. Flexibility: Easier to install in tight or complex environments due to increased flexibility
Disadvantages	Less Protection: Not suitable for environments where significant physical damage or rodent attacks are a concern. Limited Mechanical Protection: May not withstand harsh conditions or heavy impacts
Applications	Indoor Installations: Commonly used for indoor networking and data center applications where physical protection is less of a concern. Protected Environments: Suitable for installations where the cable is not exposed to significant physical threats

2. Indoor vs. Outdoor Cables

Indoor Cables

Characteristics	Design: Indoor cables are designed with materials that are optimized for indoor environments. They typically have a simpler construction compared to outdoor cables and may lack additional protective layers. Jacket: The outer jacket is made of materials like PVC or LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) to minimize smoke and toxicity in case of fire
Advantages	Fire Safety: LSZH jackets are used to reduce the emission of toxic gases and smoke, enhancing safety in case of fire. Cost: Generally less expensive than outdoor cables due to simpler construction
Disadvantages	Exposure: Not suitable for use in outdoor environments or where the cable will be exposed to harsh environmental conditions
Applications	Building Interior: Ideal for office buildings, data centers, and other indoor networking environments. Short Distances: Used for connections within buildings or between rooms

Outdoor Cables

Characteristics	Design: Outdoor cables are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as moisture, UV radiation, temperature extremes, and physical impacts. Jacket: Typically made with rugged materials like polyethylene (PE) or other weather-resistant compounds. They often have additional protective layers, such as armoring or water-blocking elements, to prevent water ingress
Advantages	Durability: Built to resist environmental factors and physical damage. Often includes water-blocking gels or tapes to prevent moisture ingress. Long Distance: Suitable for long-distance installations between buildings or across outdoor spaces
Disadvantages	Cost: More expensive than indoor cables due to the added protective features. Installation: Can be more challenging to install due to the need for weather-resistant components and additional protection
Applications	Outdoor Installations: Used for connections between buildings, across outdoor spaces, or in environments exposed to weather and environmental elements. Direct Burial: Suitable for installation directly in the ground or in outdoor conduit systems

Summary and Comparison

Feature	Armored Cables	Non-Armoured Cables	Indoor Cables	Outdoor Cables
Protection	Enhanced protection against physical damage, rodent attacks	Basic protection with a standard outer jacket	Designed for indoor environments, fire safety	Rugged, weather-resistant, moisture protection
Flexibility	Less flexible, more challenging installation	More flexible, easier installation	Generally flexible and easy to handle	More rigid due to protective layers
Cost	Higher due to additional materials	Lower, cost-effective	Generally less expensive than outdoor cables	Higher due to additional protective features
Applications	Direct burial, industrial settings, external installations	Indoor networking, protected environments	Office buildings, data centers, short distances	Long-distance, outdoor installations, direct burial

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate fiber optic cable type depends on the specific requirements of your installation environment. Armored cables provide superior protection against physical damage and are ideal for harsh conditions, while non-armored cables are more flexible and cost-effective for indoor use. Indoor cables are designed for safety and ease of installation within buildings, whereas outdoor cables are built to withstand environmental challenges and are suitable for outdoor installations. Understanding these differences ensures you choose the right cable for reliable and efficient network performance.