Abstract

Over the past few years, microduct technology has emerged as an efficient means to generate maximum utilization of both current and future infrastructure. Subdividing traditional innerducts by inserting miniature or “microducts” generates new inexpensive right-of-ways for placement of fiber optic cable. Virtually all cable manufacturers have responded with optimized designs for use with this technology. Because the cables to be installed in these microducts need to be much smaller than traditional fiber optic cables, some of the overall cable strength and robustness are sacrificed. With the reduction in strength and robustness, compatibility with the blowing installation equipment must be carefully evaluated. This paper details the considerations in determining the compatibility of typical microduct fiber optic cables with blowing equipment currently available in the industry. Results from trials with the leading blowing equipment manufacturers are presented.

© 2005 Optical Society of America