The Compact Armored Central Core Intermittently Bonded Ribbon (IBR) cable family utilizes a revolutionary, patent-pending design that eliminates the need for an inner tube or jacket, significantly enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of network deployments. An innovative hybrid fiberglass/steel protective sheath provides the toughness demanded from an armored cable, while allowing much smaller bend radii than competing armored cables. These unique features set this cable apart from the competition and offer a multitude of benefits to the HFCL customers:
Efficiency and Time-Saving
- Direct Access to Ribbons: Once the outer jacket and armoring are removed, the cable provides immediate access to the ribbons. This design simplifies the installation process, making it quicker and more straightforward. During a time study, the HFCL team achieved time-savings of 11% and 36% for end entry and mid span accessing, respectively, simply by shifting from a dual-jacketed armored design to this new design.
- Streamlined Installation: The reduced size and high flexibility of this cable family make it easy to handle during deployment, including during coiling in a figure 8 for installation, or when storing slack loops in underground enclosures or on poles. For example, the 288-fiber version can be put into a 2-meter by 1-meter figure 8, whereas the corresponding dual-jacketed armored design requires a 50% increase in dimensions—i.e. 3-meter by 1.5-meter. The absence of unnecessary layers reduces the time and effort required for splicing, leading to faster project completion.
Cost Reduction
- Lower Material Cost: By eliminating the inner tube or jacket, the product uses fewer materials in its construction, which directly translates to cost savings for the customers. Specifically, the average cable weight and diameter reductions are respectively 43% and 21% between this new product line and a more conventional dual-jacketed armored cable design.
- Reduced System Cost: The small size and improved handling of these cables allows use of smaller hardware in network deployment. The flexibility and easy handling of the intermittently bonded ribbons allows use of smaller, less expensive splice closures. Compared to competing armored cables, the reduced size and improved flexibility allows use of smaller vaults and pedestals in underground deployments, due to reduced coil diameters. For instance, this new 288-fiber design achieves 23% and 38% reductions in the coil diameter relative to those of a dual-jacketed armored design and a central tube design with flat ribbon, respectively.
Revenue Generation
- Rapid Network Expansion: The simplicity and efficiency of the cable design allows for quicker network rollouts, enabling HFCL clients to capture new markets and meet the growing demand for high-speed connectivity.
- Enhanced Service Offerings: With the ability to deploy networks faster and more cost-effectively, clients can redirect resources to other initiatives, such as to introduce new services and innovations, creating additional revenue streams.
Competitive Advantage
- Innovative Design: The cable’s unique design positions HFCL customers at the forefront of the telecommunications industry, offering a competitive edge in any environment where rugged armored cables are required, including direct burial in rural environments, lashed aerial installs in suburban environments, and underground deployment in crowded urban areas.
In conclusion, this product is not just a cable; it's a strategic asset for the HFCL customers. It empowers them to speed deployment, reduce expenses, and unlock new revenue opportunities, all while staying ahead in the competitive telecommunications market. This holistic approach to design and functionality makes HFCL's solution a game-changer in the industry.
Source: www.hfcl.com