Is loose-tube optical fiber cable primarily used indoors or outdoors?

Loose-tube optical fiber cable is primarily used outdoors due to its design and construction, which are specifically tailored to withstand environmental stressors. The loose-tube structure allows fibers to expand and contract with temperature changes without inducing stress on the fibers themselves, making them ideal for outdoor installations where temperature fluctuations, moisture, and other environmental factors are prevalent.

This cable type often includes water-blocking materials and rugged outer jackets to protect against harsh outdoor conditions, such as UV exposure, mechanical impact, and exposure to moisture. Consequently, loose-tube cables provide reliable transmission over long distances and are often employed in outdoor applications, such as connecting distant buildings, telecommunications infrastructure, or between different nodes in a network.

In contrast, indoor fiber cables, such as tight-buffered cables, are designed to be flexible and easier to handle in constrained spaces, suitable for inside a building where protection from environmental factors is less critical. Thus, while both outdoor and indoor fibers exist, loose-tube cables are distinctly suited for outdoor use.