Exploring Pros and Cons of Aerial VS Buried Fiber Deployment

With the development of technology and the widespread use of the internet, fiber optic cables have become a popular choice for transmitting data quickly and securely. These cables can be installed either by burying them underground or suspending them aerially. When you plan to build a fiber optic broadband network, you need to consider several factors to determine the most suitable deployment method for your project - whether to go for aerial or buried installation. This decision can impact the materials required, installation crews, and the total cost of your project. Proper analysis of these factors is necessary to pick the most suitable deployment method for your next project.

Aerial Installation

 Aerial fiber optic cables can be installed in two primary ways to ensure their durability and longevity. The first method involves attaching the cable to a messenger wire or strand using a lashing wire to provide support against any potential weight that could cause damage. To secure the fiber and strand, a lasher is employed to wrap the lashing wire around them. This approach also enables easy expansion of the network by adding more cables as it grows. ABS Rents has lashers available today! 

A second approach to consider is the utilization of an All-Dielectric self-supporting (ADSS) fiber optic cable, which includes an inner strength membrane that enables it to support itself. However, the cable's strength makes it challenging to install mid-span attachments, making the future expansion of the network difficult. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and the selection of any method depends upon the requirements of the network and the environmental conditions.

Pros of Aerial Installation

Aerial fiber optic installation is a highly efficient and cost-effective method of deployment. It has many benefits, including shorter construction times, lower costs, and ease of maintenance. This deployment method is usually the most cost-effective approach, as fiber is added in areas where there's infrastructure such as telephone poles, and already existing structures. This eliminates the need for tedious and expensive projects such as excavation, pipe laying, and backfilling. Aerially laid optical cables are easier to inspect, maintain, and repair, which reduces troubleshooting time and cost. Aerial placement also offers better adaptability to various terrains and environmental conditions, which can significantly improve the overall performance and reliability of the communication system.

Cons of Aerial Installation

While aerial fiber deployment offers certain advantages, it also has some disadvantages. One of the disadvantages is that telephone poles are limited in the amount of weight and tension they can handle. Weather conditions and extreme temperature fluctuations can also have a significant impact on a cable and its network, causing it to expand or contract and sag or even break, eventually leading to signal loss. Animals can also cause network outages by damaging the fiber through bird talons, squirrel bites, and other rodent trouble. Another con of aerial fiber deployment is that maintenance and repairs can be difficult to perform in remote areas where telephone poles are not easily accessible, which drives up labor costs. Lastly, accidental damage caused by human error during installations, maintenance, or construction activities poses a significant threat to fiber optic cables.

 Burial Installation 

When it comes to choosing an underground method for fiber installation, the standard approach is to place it inside a conduit. Placing conduit can be done using various techniques such as boring, trenching, or plowing. Once the conduit is in place, a team can then install the fiber by either pulling or blowing it through. If you are interested in learning more about this process, we have a guide available. Just like aerial installation, there are both advantages and disadvantages to the underground deployment method. 

Pros of Burial Installation

Underground fiber optic cable installation is a highly advantageous alternative to aerial installation, offering superior protection and reliability. This method minimizes the risk of damage from adverse weather conditions, ensuring that the connection is always secure and dependable. Additionally, underground installation eliminates the unsightly appearance of aerial cables that can detract from the surrounding environment. By burying the cables, organizations can enjoy a fast and reliable connection without compromising the aesthetic appeal of the area. Also having the right tools like trenchers and fiber blowers, this can help get the job done! These tools can speed up the project with less labor from humans, causing less human error and a reliable result. Therefore, investing in underground fiber installation is a sound decision for anyone seeking to upgrade their network infrastructure. 

Cons of Burial Installation

 When planning to install fiber optics, it is crucial to consider various installation options. Aerial installation is generally more cost-effective than underground installation. Because underground installation involves more materials and effort, such as digging trenches, it can be more expensive. However, underground installation has a lower risk of damage from environmental factors and animals. Maintenance and repairs can be more challenging and expensive in underground installations as the cables are not easily accessible. Lastly, accidental damage is caused by human error during installations, Most utility lines are underground and other utility lines may affect the fiber placement.  Maintenance or construction activities pose a significant threat to existing fiber optic cable placement. 

Conclusion

In the field of fiber optic placement, the two primary methods employed are aerial and buried. While each technique boasts certain advantages, they also come with their own set of drawbacks. When contemplating which approach to utilize, a number of factors must be taken into consideration. These factors include, but are not limited to, budgetary constraints, environmental considerations, desired aesthetics, and long-term sustainability. It is strongly recommended that professional guidance be sought in order to assess the specific requirements of the network infrastructure or project at hand. By doing so, a more informed decision can be made regarding which placement method will best serve the project's needs. If equipment is necessary during your telecom utility project, ABS Rents is ready to help you get the job done with the right equipment.