Tactical fiber optic cable is built to withstand the rigors of military use, outdoor applications, and other extreme conditions. It is extremely bendable and resistant to crushing, making it a great choice. Tactical fiber optic cable is a special fiber optic cable made for rapid wiring or frequent retraction and use in demanding military and industrial settings. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is strong but not overly heavy. Additionally, tactical fiber optic cable commonly appears as a tactical fiber optic cable assembly (TFOCA) to aid rapid deployment.
Figure 1Tactical fiber optic reel
Tactical Fiber Optic Cable Structure
The primary elements of a tactical fiber cable and reel are the buffered fiber, the aramid yarn, and the flame-retardant polyurethane jacket.
Functions and Advantages
- More Data Transfer Speed
Copper cables have a low data transfer rate because they were developed for voice communication. Compared to copper cables of the same diameter, the bandwidth of fiber optic cables allows for more data to be transferred. Single mode fiber, one type of tactical fiber optic reel, can offer twice the data transfer rates of multimode fiber.
- Greater Velocities
Light is transmitted down the centre of a fiber optic cable. This makes fiber optic lines quicker than Cat5 and Cat6 copper cables, allowing them to convey signals at speeds only around 31% slower than the speed of light. Fiber optic cables also have a lower deterioration rate for signals.
- Further Away
Fiber optic cables have no restrictions, unlike copper wires, which have a maximum transmission distance of only 328 feet. Some single-mode fiber lines that operate at 10 Gbps have a range of about 25 kilometres. The length is determined by factors such as the wavelength, the type of cable, and the network.
- Superior Reliability
While extreme weather and moisture can disrupt the connectivity of copper cables, fiber optics are unaffected by such elements. Fiber also avoids the problems associated with electromagnetic interference (EMI) because it does not transport electric current. In addition, unlike worn-out copper cables, it does not provide a fire risk.
Figure 2Custom tactical fiber optic cable
- Less bulky and more durable
Fiber optic cables are more compact and lighter than their copper counterparts. Fiber is stronger than copper and less likely to break under tension.
- Reduced Total Cost of Ownership
Fiber optic cables might have a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) than copper because of their longevity and reliability. As technology improves, the price of fiber optic cables and other associated materials drops.
Applications
You can find custom tactical fiber optic reel in the duct and buried installations, in the military (for radar, aviation, and ship communications), in fast wiring or repeated retraction and release of field communication systems, in sports, in audio and video, in live TV broadcasts, in emergency repairs of communication lines, in harsh environments (for oil and gas, mines, ports, geological exploration, and other extreme conditions), in FTTA, and several different contexts.
The custom tactical fiber optic cable is designed for use in the field. Until a better option is developed, most people today favour optical fiber cables for transmission because of their superior performance and reliability. If you're in the market for internet connectivity options and prioritize speed, reliability, low latency, and low cost, look no further than optical cables.