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Exploring Different Types of OSP Projects in Fiber Optics
When it comes to fiber optics, the network infrastructure responsible for delivering high-speed internet, telephone, and cable TV services, we often think about the high-tech world of data centers and optical cables.
However, the backbone of this technology lies in a world outside our homes and offices known as Outside Plant (OSP) projects.
OSP projects are much more diverse than premise installations and can include installing aerial cables, direct buried cables, underground in or not in conduit, or underwater.
Some projects may include a combination of the above mentioned processes, depending on how far the cable link needs to travel.
In this blog, we will explore the different types of OSP projects in depth and the unique challenges and considerations associated with each.
Definition of OSP (Outside Plant) Projects
Outside plant projects (OSP) refer to the installation, maintenance, and management of fiber optic telecommunications to external buildings routed to an entrance facility (EF). This includes the placement of cables and equipment in various environments to enable data transmission.
The different types of OSP we will cover in this article include underground OSP projects, direct burial (sewers) OSP projects, outdoor aerial OSP projects, underwater OSP projects.
The inspection portion of the project estimation is essential to understanding when and where to utilize each of these different OSP methods to use. The contractor installing the cabling should inspect the actual systems they are going to encounter themselves to become familiar with the situations they may encounter during installation.
Some situations may require special equipment or specific permits, so this step is super important.
Underground OSP Projects
Underground OSP projects involve the installation of fiber optic cables below the ground's surface in conduit. This method is often used in urban areas where aesthetics and protection are paramount.
Usually, cables are buried 3-4 feet deep to prevent the likelihood they may accidentally be dug up. The exception is very cold climates, in which the frost can penetrate the ground at a greater depth.
The process of installing underground cables begins with digging a trench to bury (generally) 4 inch conduit. Some regions may require additional conduit be buried to prevent the need for additional digging and the disruption it can cause having to re-dig up a site.
Conduit helps separate the cables and make it easier to pull cable to the desired length.
Benefits of Underground OSP Projects
Protection from Environmental Elements: Underground cables are shielded from weather conditions, reducing the risk of damage and signal degradation.
Aesthetic Considerations: In cities, underground installations are less obtrusive and do not disrupt the urban landscape.
What types of products do you need when working on an underground project?
High-strength fiber optic cables designed for burial
Conduit and duct systems for cable protection
Specialized cable plows for trenching
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Lubricant
Challenges and Considerations
Trenching and Installation Techniques
Proper trenching is essential for protecting cables from damage during installation. Horizontal directional drilling is often used to minimize disruption.
Maintenance and Repair
Identifying and repairing faults in underground cables can be challenging and requires specialized equipment and training.
Direct Burial (Sewers) OSP Projects
Direct burial OSP projects involve laying fiber optic cables directly into the ground without the use of conduit or ducts. This method is cost-effective and often used in rural areas.
This method of course depends upon the geography of the region.
Direct burial includes directional boring or trenching and placing the cable into the trench.
Directional boring is a better method to use when the ground is softer and relatively free of rocks. If the land is flat and has no obstacles then this method can allow several miles of cables to be installed quickly and efficiently.
If the area is more built up, then trenching may be easier as the equipment and machinery necessary for the job does not take up as much room. Trenching involves digging a trench with a backhoe or trencher, laying the cable, and then filling the trench back in.
Heavy duty cables can be directly buried as well, or blown into the ducts after the initial installation of conduit.
Advantages of Direct Burial OSP Projects
Cost-Efficiency
Eliminating the need for conduit or ducts reduces project costs.
Reduced Risk of Physical Damage
Cables are buried deep enough to minimize the risk of physical damage.
What types of products do you need when working on a direct burial project?
Direct burial fiber optic cables
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Flat drop - not armored, but has thick polyethylene jacket. Budget friendly
Cable plows or trenchers for cable burial
Waterproof enclosures for splice closures
Shovel and digging equipment
Key Considerations and Best Practices
Cable Types and Protection
Choosing the right cable with proper burial features is crucial for long-term reliability. Conduit or cable trays should be used to protect the cables.
The cable from outdoor installations often needs to connect to an indoor premise installation so it is important to obey the fire or electrical codes required when switching over from the outdoor cable to the indoor cable.
Inspection and Monitoring
Periodic inspection and monitoring are essential to detect and address issues early. It is important to place identification tags on fiber optic cables to allow easy identification in case cables need to be swapped out or fixed at a later time. This ID process makes it easy to avoid mistaking cables that need to be cut or removed.
Maintaining a neat environment
Cables should be neatly lashed in the proper location in manhole or vaults using cable tights. Never tighten cables too tight as unnecessary kinking or bending higher than the cable's bend radius allows can cause data loss.
Outdoor Aerial OSP Projects
Aerial OSP projects involve the installation of fiber optic cables on overhead support structures, such as utility poles. This method is suitable for rural and suburban areas.
Aerial installations are more likely than the other OSP methods to be subject to temperature changes, wind, and the weight of ice.
Due to their weight, many fiber optic cables do not have the amount of strength for aerial installation so be sure to check the specifications of your cable you are using. This leads to lashing a regular OSP cable to a messenger, such as a coax cable or even power cables.
Advantages of Aerial OSP Projects
Reduced Ground Disturbance
Aerial installations minimize disruption to the ground, making it ideal for areas with environmental or logistical challenges.
Quick Deployment
Aerial projects can be executed rapidly, providing immediate connectivity.
What types of products do you need when working on an aerial project?
Aerial fiber optic cables with appropriate strength
Aerial with messenger - Very heavy and heavy duty, but the span of the cable is better and better protected from elements/rodents. More rugged solution
Flat drop - self supporting because it’s a lot thinner and cheaper
OSP Loose Tube - must use lashing
Fiber optic cable hangers and support hardware
Safety equipment for installers
Challenges and Solutions
Environmental Factors (e.g., weather): Aerial cables are exposed to weather conditions, which may necessitate the use of weather-resistant cable and hardware.
Support Structures and Safety: Proper engineering of support structures is essential to ensure safety and reliability.
Underwater OSP Projects
Underwater OSP projects involve laying fiber optic cables on the seabed, often for submarine communications or marine research.
The best installation examples are transoceanic cables to bring together communication between nations.
Installing this type of cable requires the most equipment and the toughest specialized processes. Ships play out cable over thousands of kilometers and place them on the ocean floor, sometimes with assistance from deep sea divers.
Other types include river or lake crossings where it is more cost effective to lay cable under water rather than go around the water.
Cables underwater are in danger of being snagged by oceanlife or other objects. Therefore, cables should be laid as deep as possible using armored cables to prevent data loss from damaged cables.
Significance of Underwater OSP Projects
Submarine Communications
Underwater cables connect continents and enable global communication.
Marine Research and Monitoring
These cables support data transmission for scientific research and environmental monitoring.
What types of products do you need when working on an underwater project?
Underwater-rated fiber optic cables - very heavy armored to protect from the pressure of the water and reduce stress on the jacket and the glass of the cable.
Submarine cable-laying ships and equipment
Specialized connectors and splicing techniques for underwater use
Currently, we don't sell any submarine cabling products
Unique Challenges and Technologies
Cable Design for Submersion
Cables must withstand water pressure, temperature fluctuations, and potential hazards, such as marine life.
Maintenance and Repair in Marine Environments
Repairing underwater cables requires specialized equipment and highly skilled technicians.
Conclusion
In this blog, we've explored the various types of OSP projects in fiber optics. Whether you're working underground, in sewers, above ground, or underwater, each type presents its own set of challenges and considerations. When choosing the right type of OSP project, factors like location, budget, and environmental conditions must be carefully assessed. As technology advances, the world of fiber optic OSP projects continues to evolve, promising even more efficient and reliable connectivity solutions for the future.
