ADSS fiber cable construction

All-dielectric self-supporting (ADSS) cable is a type of optical fiber cable designed to support itself between structures without the need for metallic elements 1. The internal glass optical fibers are supported with little or no strain to maintain low optical loss throughout the life of the cable. The cable is jacketed to prevent moisture from degrading the fibers and to protect the polymer strength elements from the effects of solar ultraviolet light. ADSS cables are also lightweight and small in diameter to reduce the load on tower structures due to cable weight, wind, and ice. Single-mode fibers and light wavelengths of 1310 or 1550 nanometers are used to achieve circuits up to 100 km long without repeaters. Additionally, a single cable can carry as many as 864 fibers.

It is important to note that no metal wires are used in an ADSS cable and fittings used with ADSS cable may be tension type, used at dead-ends where the cable terminates or changes direction, or may be suspension type, only holding the weight of a span with tension transmitted through the next span of cable. Cables must be designed for the worst-case combinations of temperature, ice load, and wind to maintain reliability once installed.

ADSS cables are often installed along existing overhead transmission lines and often sharing the same support structures as the electrical conductors. It is used by electrical utility companies as a cost-effective communications medium for utility companies and has a lower installation cost compared to other types of cables like OPGW and OPAC. The cables can be installed in spans of up to 700 meters between support towers.