After reading this article, you will definitely have a good harvest between loose tube fiber optic cable and tight buffered fiber optic cable. You can know how to choose loose tube fiber optic cable and tight buffered fiber optic cable,
The key differences between loose tube fiber optic cable and tight buffered fiber optic cable, and the most basic definitions of loose tube fiber optic cable and tight buffered fiber optic cable. The focus of this article is mainly on how to choose loose tube fiber optic cable and tight buffered fiber optic cable.

Tight Buffered Fiber Optic Cable, also known as riser or fiber optic distribution cable, is primarily used in buildings and campuses, often installed in cable trays or ducts.
Therefore, they are suitable for use in internal factories or building networks. These cables usually have an LSZH jacket.
Tight Buffered Fiber Optic Cable, on the other hand, are great for indoor use and medium-length LAN/WAN connections because they’re a more robust option. Another advantage of tight buffered fiber optic cable is that they are easier to install as there is no gel to clean up afterward.
They do not require a fan-out kit for splicing or termination, as you can crimp the connector directly onto each fiber.

Loose Tube Fiber Optic Cable are better for outdoors and harsh environments because they hold the fiber inside a gel that protects the fiber from water and temperature changes.
These cables should not be routed through multiple corners or bends, as this can damage the gel and expose the core. Due to the diameter of the optical fibers used in Loose Tube Fiber Optic Cable, they typically hold more fibers than Tight Buffered Fiber Optic Cable.
The type of outer sheath and material used is also suitable for exterior or outdoor plant use.
It offers waterproof tape, rodent protection (such as steel wire armor), termite protection, sacrificial sheathing, and many other potential advantages when used outdoors or in harsh environments, usually, most outdoor cables use the PE nylon outer jacket.

Key differences between Tight Buffered and Loose Tube Fiber Optic Cable
1.Design
The main difference between Tight Buffered Fiber Optic Cable and Loose Tube Fiber Optic Cable is the design of the cable.
In tight buffered fiber optic cables, there is no gap between the core coating and cladding.
Loose Tube Fiber Optic Cables have gaps that are either filled with gel or are loosely distributed throughout the cable.

2.Structure
Loose Tube Fiber Optic Cables are composed of multiple 250 um fiber cores and have only one outer protective layer.
Tight Buffered Fiber Optic Cable typically consists of 900 um buffered fiber and have two layers of aramid yarn (one around the fibre core and another outer layer).

3.Flexibility
Loose tube cables offer flexibility due to the individual buffer tubes that encase the fibers.
This design allows them to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction. Tight-buffered cables are less flexible due to the tight adhesion of the buffer layer directly to the fibers.
They are designed for applications where flexibility isn’t a priority.

4.Cost
The cost of loose tube cables may vary depending on factors such as fiber count, specifications, and the level of protection.
Loose tube cables for outdoor use can range from $0.30 to $2.00 per foot or more, depending on fiber count, specific protective features, etc.
For a 432-fiber cable, this could be anywhere from approximately $130 to $864 for a 1000-foot length. Tight-buffered cables for indoor use are generally more cost-effective and can range from $0.10 to $0.50 per foot or more.
A 432-fiber tight-buffered cable of 1000 feet might cost around $43 to $216 or more.

5.Applications
Loose tube cables are designed for outdoor and harsh conditions as they offer flexibility and protection against environmental factors.
They are often used in underground, aerial, underwater, and duct installations. In contrast, tight-buffered cables are intended for indoor and controlled environments.
They offer protection and ease of termination. They are commonly used in indoor networking, LANs, building-to-building connections, data centers, and structured cabling.
Reference
https://www.baudcom.com.cn/blog/how-to-choose-loose-tube-and-tight-buffered-fiber-optic-cable
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