Claims:Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An optical fiber cable (100) comprising:

a central strength member (102) lying substantially along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable (100);

one or more buffer tubes (104a-104f) stranded around the central strength member, wherein each of the one or more buffer tubes (104a-104f) encloses 16 optical fibers and wherein each of the optical fibers has a diameter of about 250 microns;

a first layer (108) surrounding the one or more buffer tubes (104a-104f), wherein the first layer (108) comprises one or more yarns and wherein the first layer (108) binds the one or more buffer tubes (104a-104f); and

a second layer (110) surrounding the first layer (108),
wherein the optical fiber cable has an outer diameter in a range of 5.6 – 6.0 millimeters and a weight of about 33 kilograms per kilometer.

2. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of water swellable yarns positioned between the one or more buffer tubes (104a-104f), wherein the plurality of water swellable yarns prevent ingression of water inside a stranded core of the optical fiber cable (100) and wherein the core of the optical fiber cable (100) has a diameter of about 4.9 millimeters.

3. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, further comprising one or more ripcords placed between the first layer (108) and the second layer (110) and lying substantially along the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable (100), wherein the one or more ripcords facilitate stripping of the second layer (108).

4. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein the central strength member (102) comprises a steel wire located internally in the central strength member (102), wherein the central strength member (102) provides tensile strength stiffness to the fiber cable to facilitate blowing, wherein the tensile strength of the optical fiber cable (100) is about 700 Newton and wherein the central strength member (102) has a diameter of about 1.60 millimeter.

5. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein the central strength member (102) is made of a fiber reinforced plastic.

6. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, further comprising a peripheral strength member and wherein the peripheral strength member is made of aramid yarns.

7. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more yarns is a binder yarn, wherein the binder yarn is made of a material selected from a group consisting of polyester, aramid and polypropylene.

8. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more buffer tubes (104a-104f) is filled with a gel, wherein the gel is a thixotropic gel and wherein the thixotropic gel prevents ingression of water in the one or more buffer tubes (104a-104f).

9. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more buffer tubes (104a-104f ) is S-Z stranded around the central strength member (102), wherein each of the one or more buffer tubes (104a-104f ) are wound around the central strength member (102) in sections with a first direction of winding in an S-shape alternating with the sections with a second direction of winding in a Z-shape and wherein the first direction is a clockwise direction and the second direction is an anticlockwise direction.

10. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein the second layer (110) is made of a material selected from a group consisting of polyamides, polyethylene and polypropylene and wherein the second layer (110) has a thickness of about 0.45 millimeter.

11. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the optical fibers is a colored optical fiber.

12. The optical fiber (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more buffer tubes (104a-104f ) has an inner diameter of about 1.25 millimeters, an outer diameter of about 1.65 millimeters, a thickness of about 0.20 millimeter and a lay length of about 65 millimeters.

13. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical fiber cable (100) has a crush resistance about 500 Newton.

14. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical fiber cable (100) comprises six buffer tubes.

15. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more buffer tubes (104a-104f) are replaced by one or more fillers, wherein the one or more buffer tubes are replaced when a number of the optical fibers is less than 96 and wherein the one or more fillers is made of a material selected from a group consisting of polypropylene and nylon.

16. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical fiber cable (100) has a fill factor in a range of 80 percent to 90 percent.
Dated: 29th Day of March, 2016 Signature
Arun Kishore Narasani Patent Agent

, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of optical fiber cable and, in particular, relates to a micro optical fiber cable for installation in micro ducts.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Over the last few years, optical fiber cables have been increasingly employed for various industrial applications. One such type of optical fiber cable is micro optical fiber cables which are used for installation in micro ducts. These optical fiber cables include a small number of optical fibers. Also, the micro optical fiber cables have a small cable diameter which makes these cables suitable for installation in the micro ducts. Typically, the size of the micro ducts is 10 millimeter. So, a constant check is maintained on the diameter and weight of the micro optical fiber cables for smooth installation. Traditionally, the micro optical fiber cables are installed by blowing the optical fiber cable into a duct while simultaneously pushing the optical cable into the duct. The blowing is done by injecting a high volume of compressed air into the duct which flows inside the duct at high speed. Accordingly, the high speed propels the optical fiber cable into the duct. The optical fiber cables are blown with a cable blowing machine. Typically, the blowing performance of the cable blowing machine depends on the diameter and the weight of the micro optical fiber cable.

[0003] The currently available micro optical fiber cables have certain drawbacks. The existing micro optical fiber cables have bigger diameter due to which larger ducts are needed for installation. In addition, the existing micro optical fiber cables are heavy. This leads to a poor blowing performance from the cable blowing machine. The micro optical fiber cables do not support the existing duct designs.

[0004] In light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need for an optical fiber cable which overcomes the above cited drawbacks of conventionally known optical fiber cables.

OBJECT OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] A primary object of the disclosure is to provide a micro optical fiber cable that is easy to install in micro ducts.

[0006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the micro optical fiber cable which has a small diameter.

[0007] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the micro optical fiber cable with reduced weight.

[0008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to increase a blowing performance of the optical fiber cable.

SUMMARY
[0009] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable includes a central strength member. The central strength member lies substantially along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable. In addition, the optical fiber cable includes one or more buffer tubes stranded around the central strength member. Moreover, the optical fiber cable includes a first layer. The first layer surrounds the one or more buffer tubes. Further, the optical fiber cable includes a second layer. The second layer surrounds the first layer. Each of the one or more buffer tubes encloses 16 optical fibers. Each of the plurality of optical fibers has a diameter of about 250 microns. The first layer includes one or more yarns. In addition, the first layer binds the one or more buffer tubes. The optical fiber cable has an outer diameter in a range of 5.6 – 6.0 millimeters and a weight of about 33 kilograms per kilometer. Each buffer tube of the one or more buffer tubes has 16 optical fibers of about 250 microns diameter.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable further includes a plurality of water swellable yarns positioned between the one or more buffer tubes. The plurality of water swellable yarns prevents ingression of water inside a stranded core of the optical fiber cable. The core of the optical fiber cable has a diameter of about 4.9 millimeters.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable further includes one or more ripcords placed between the first layer and the second layer. The one or more ripcords lie substantially along the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable. The one or more ripcords facilitate stripping of the second layer.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the central strength member includes a steel wire located internally in the central strength member. The central strength member provides tensile strength and stiffness to the optical fiber cable to facilitate blowing. The tensile strength of the optical fiber cable is about 700 Newton. The central strength member has a diameter of about 1.60 millimeter.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the central strength member is made of a fiber reinforced plastic.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable further includes a peripheral strength member. The peripheral strength member is made of aramid yarns.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more yarns is a binder yarn. The binder yarn is made of a material selected from a group. The group consists of polyester, aramid and polypropylene.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes is filled with a gel. The gel is a thixotropic gel. The thixotropic gel prevents ingression of water in the one or more buffer tubes.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more buffer tubes are S-Z stranded around the central strength member. Each of the one or more buffer tubes are wound around the central strength member in sections with a first direction of winding in an S-shape alternating with the sections with a second direction of winding in a Z-shape. The first direction is a clockwise direction and the second direction is an anticlockwise direction.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second layer is made of a material selected from a group. The group consists of polyamides, polyethylene and polypropylene. In addition, the second layer has a thickness of about 0.45 millimeter.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the optical fibers is a colored optical fiber.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes has an inner diameter of about 1.25 millimeters, an outer diameter of about 1.65 millimeters, thickness of about 0.20 millimeter and a lay length of about 65 millimeters.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable has a crush resistance about 500 Newton.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more buffer tubes are replaced by one or more fillers. The one or more buffer tubes are replaced when a number of the plurality of optical fibers is less than 96. The one or more fillers are made of a material selected from a group. The group consists of polypropylene and nylon.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable has a fill factor in a range of 80 percent to 90 percent.

STATEMENT OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0024] The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable includes a central strength member. The central strength member lies substantially along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable. In addition, the optical fiber cable includes one or more buffer tubes stranded around the central strength member. Moreover, the optical fiber cable includes a first layer. The first layer surrounds the one or more buffer tubes. Further, the optical fiber cable includes a second layer. The second layer surrounds the first layer. Each of the one or more buffer tubes encloses 16 optical fibers. Each of the plurality of optical fibers has a diameter of about 250 microns. The first layer includes one or more yarns. In addition, the first layer binds the one or more buffer tubes. The optical fiber cable has an outer diameter in a range of 5.6 – 6.0 millimeters and a weight of about 33 kilograms per kilometer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0025] Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0026] FIG. 1A illustrates a cross sectional view of an optical fiber cable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0027] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the optical fiber cable of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] It should be noted that the accompanying figures are intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that accompanying figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to selected embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with accompanying figures. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described. This disclosure may be embodied in different forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. It should be understood that the accompanying figures are intended and provided to illustrate embodiments of the disclosure described below and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for providing better clarity and ease of understanding.

[0030] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the like, herein do not denote any order, ranking, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0031] FIG. 1A illustrates a cross sectional view of an optical fiber cable 100, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The optical fiber cable 100 is a micro optical fiber cable. The micro optical fiber cable is used for installation in micro ducts. In general, the micro ducts are small ducts for installation of small micro duct fiber optic cables. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an inner diameter of micro ducts is 8 millimeter and an outer diameter of micro duct is 12 mm. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of the micro ducts may be more or less than 8 millimeter.

[0032] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 is used for communication purposes. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 is a 96F micro optical fiber cable. In addition, 96F corresponds to 96 optical fibers. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of optical fibers is less than 96. Further, the optical fiber cable 100 has a small diameter which makes the optical fiber cable 100 suitable for installation in the micro ducts.

[0033] The optical fiber cable 100 is made of a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers encloses one or more buffer tubes. Each of the one or more buffer tubes is a loose buffer tube. Each buffer tube of the one or more buffer tubes encloses a plurality of optical fibers. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of optical fibers is loosely held inside the one or more buffer tubes. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more buffer tubes of a plurality of buffer tubes are fixed. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more optical fibers of the plurality of optical fibers in each of the one or more buffer tubes are fixed In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes has a small diameter (mentioned below in the patent application). Further, the optical fiber cable 100 has a reduced cable weight (provided below in the patent application).

[0034] As shown in the FIG. 1A, the optical fiber cable 100 includes a central strength member 102, a one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f, a plurality of optical fibers 106, a first layer 108 and a second layer 110 (as seen in FIG. 1A in conjunction with the perspective view of the optical fiber cable 100 provided in FIG. 1B). In addition, the optical fiber cable 100 includes a plurality of water swellable yarns 112a-112b and a ripcord 114. The optical fiber cable 100 is a cable used for carrying light over long distances. Furthermore, the optical fiber cable 100 may simply be used to transmit optical signals (which may carry sensor data or communication data).

[0035] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the central strength member 102 includes a steel wire located internally in the central strength member 102. Moreover, the central strength member 102 is made of a fiber reinforced plastic. The fiber reinforced plastic is a composite material made of a polymer matrix reinforced with glass fibers. Examples of the fiber reinforced plastic include glass fiber, carbon fiber, aramid fiber and the like. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the central strength member 102 is made of any suitable material. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the central strength member 102 has a diameter of about 1.60 millimeter. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the central strength member 102 has the diameter in a range of 1.60 millimeter ± 0.1 millimeter. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the diameter of the central strength member 102 may vary.

[0036] The central strength member 102 provides tensile strength and stiffness to the optical fiber cable 100 to facilitate blowing. The tensile strength corresponds to a resistance shown by the optical fiber cable 100 against breaking when tension is applied. In addition, the tensile strength of the optical fiber cable 102 is about 700 Newton. Moreover, the central strength member 102 provides physical strength to the optical fiber cable 100 and resists over bending of the optical fiber cable 100. Also, the central strength member 102 prevents buckling of the optical fiber cable 100.

[0037] Further, the optical fiber cable 100 includes the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f. The one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is stranded around the central strength member 102 to form a stranded core. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the core of the optical fiber cable has a diameter of about 4.9 millimeters. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the central strength member 102 is surrounded by the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is helically stranded around the central strength member 102. The helical stranding is turning of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f around the central strength member 102 periodically in a pre-defined direction. The pre-defined direction is either a clockwise direction or an anticlockwise direction.

[0038] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is S-Z stranded around the central strength member 102. Each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f are wound around the central strength member 102 in sections with a first direction of winding in an S-shape alternating with the sections with a second direction of winding in a Z-shape. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first direction is a clockwise direction and the second direction is an anticlockwise direction. The binding is performed to retain lay length of the stranded plurality of sleeves and uniform stress distribution along length of the optical fiber cable 100.

[0039] Furthermore, the stranding of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is performed in order to provide a lay length. In general, the lay length is a longitudinal distance along length of the central strength member 102 required for one buffer tube to go all the way around the central strength member 102. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lay length of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is about 65 millimeter. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the lay length of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is in a range of 65 millimeter ± 5 millimeter.

[0040] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the lay length of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f may vary. Moreover, the S-Z fashion of stranding is a form of stranding of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f. In addition, the S-Z stranding allows uniform distribution of the stress across all the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f. The S-Z stranding may have any number of turns between the S-shape and the Z-shape.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is hollow. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a cross section of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is circular in shape. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is similar in structure and dimensions. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a number of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is 6. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f may vary. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is less than 6.

[0042] Each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f has a thickness. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is same. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is about 0.20 millimeter. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is in a range of 0.20 millimeter ± 0.05 millimeter. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f may vary.

[0043] Furthermore, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner diameter and the outer diameter of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is fixed. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner diameter of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is about 1.25 millimeter. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner diameter of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is in a range of 1.25 millimeter ± 0.05 millimeter. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner diameter of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f may vary.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer diameter of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is about 1.65 millimeter. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer diameter of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is in a range of 1.65 millimeter ± 0.05 millimeter. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer diameter of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f may vary. Further, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is a micro loose tube.

[0045] Going further, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f encloses the plurality of optical fibers 106. In addition, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f encloses 16 optical fibers. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f surrounds the plurality of optical fibers 106. The one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f covers the plurality of optical fibers 106. Each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is a tube for encapsulating the plurality of optical fibers 106. The one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f provides support and protection to each of the plurality of optical fibers 106 against crush, bend and stretch. In addition, the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f protects the plurality of optical fibers 106 and prevents ingression of water inside.

[0046] Further, the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f provides mechanical isolation, physical damage protection and identification of each of the plurality of optical fibers 106. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f provides a single layer core construction. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is colored. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f has a different color. In addition, total number of colors available for coloring the buffer tubes is 12. The coloring is done for identification of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f. The colors include blue, orange, green, brown, gray, white, red, black, yellow, violet, pink and aqua.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is filled with a gel. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gel is a thixotropic gel. Also, the thixotropic gel is a viscous fluid or gel under static conditions and flow when shaken or agitated. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thixotropic gel is used for filling in empty spaces inside each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thixotropic gel prevents ingression of water inside each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f.

[0048] Further, each of the plurality of optical fibers 106 is a fiber used for transmitting information as light pulses from one end to another. In addition, each of the plurality of optical fibers 106 is a thin strand of glass or plastic capable of transmitting optical signals. Also, each of the plurality of optical fibers 106 is configured to transmit large amounts of information over long distances with relatively low attenuation. Further, each of the plurality of optical fibers 106 includes a core region and a cladding region. The core region is an inner part of an optical fiber and the cladding section is an outer part of the optical fiber. Moreover, the core region is defined by a central longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of optical fibers 106. In addition, the cladding region surrounds the core region.

[0049] The core region and the cladding region are formed along the central longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of optical fibers 106. Moreover, the core region and the cladding region are formed during the manufacturing stage of each of the plurality of optical fibers 106. The core region has a refractive index which is greater than a refractive index of the cladding region. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the core region has a higher refractive index than the cladding region.

[0050] Each of the optical fibers has a diameter of about 250 micron. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of optical fibers 106 has a diameter in a range of 250 micron ± 3 micron. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the diameter of each of the plurality of optical fibers 106 may vary. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of optical fibers 106 is a single mode fiber. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of optical fibers 106 is a multimode fiber.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a number of the plurality of optical fibers 106 in each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is 16. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the plurality of optical fibers 106 in each buffer tube may vary depending upon the cable requirements. Accordingly, a total number of the plurality of optical fibers 106 in the optical fiber cable 100 is 96 (16 fibers * 6 buffer tubes). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the total number of the plurality of optical fibers 106 may be more or less than 96 depending upon the number of buffer tubes and the optical fibers in each buffer tube.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the plurality of optical fibers 106 is less than 96. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 may include 16 optical fibers. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f are replaced by one or more fillers. The one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f are replaced when the number of the plurality of optical fibers 106 is less than 96. In an example, the number of buffer tubes is 1 when the number of optical fibers is 16. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f is replaced by the one or more fillers for retaining geometry of the optical fiber cable 100. The one or more fillers are made of a material selected from a group. The group consists of polypropylene and nylon. The material is selected in order to avoid fusing of the one or more fillers with the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) jacket.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of optical fibers 106 is a colored optical fiber. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of optical fibers 106 has a different color. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the total number of colors available for coloring the optical fibers is 12. The coloring is done for identification of each of the plurality of optical fibers 106. The colors include blue, orange, green, brown, gray, white, red, black, yellow, violet, pink and aqua. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the color repeats when the number of the plurality of optical fibers 106 exceed more than 12. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a number of optical fibers with same color in each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f are 2.

[0054] Going further, the optical fiber cable 100 includes the first layer 108. The first layer 108 surrounds the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f. The first layer 108 includes one or more yarns. In addition, the first layer binds the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first layer 108 acts as a binding element for the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more yarns is a binder yarn. The binder yarn is made of a material selected from a group. The group consists of polyester, aramid and polypropylene. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more yarns is a yarn thread.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the binder yarn facilitates absorption of water and moisture. In addition, each of the one or more yarns prevents ingression of the water inside the optical fiber cable 100. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 may have any number of yarn threads. In addition, the first layer 108 binds the stranded one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f to prevent opening up of the S-Z stranded one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first layer 108 provides retention of the lay length of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first layer 108 acts as a strengthening element for the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f.

[0056] Further, the optical fiber cable 100 includes the second layer 110. The second layer 110 surrounds the first layer 108. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second layer is made of a material selected from a group. The group consists of polyamides, polyethylene and polypropylene. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second layer 110 is made of any suitable material. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second layer 110 is a high density polyethylene (HDPE) jacket. The second layer 110 is characterized by a thickness. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second layer 110 has a thickness of about 0.45 millimeter. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second layer 110 has the thickness in the range of 0.45 millimeter ± 0.05 millimeter.

[0057] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the second layer 110 may vary. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second layer 110 is black in color. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second layer 110 may be of any color. The second layer 110 layer interacts directly with ambient environment. In addition, the second layer 110 is a sheathing layer. The second layer 110 protects the optical fiber cable 100 against the crush, the bend and tensile stress along the length of the optical fiber cable 100.

[0058] Going further, the optical fiber cable 100 includes the plurality of water swellable yarns 112a-112b. The plurality of water swellable yarns 112a-112b is positioned between the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104f. The plurality of water swellable yarns 112a-112b prevents ingression of water in the stranded core of the optical fiber cable 100. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the plurality of water swellable yarns 112a-112b is 2. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the plurality of water swellable yarns 112a-112b may vary.

[0059] Further, the optical fiber cable 100 includes the one or more ripcords. The one or more ripcords include a ripcord 114. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 may include more ripcords. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more ripcords are placed between the first layer 108 and the second layer 110. The one or more ripcords lie substantially along the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable 100. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more ripcords facilitate stripping of the second layer 110. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more ripcords are made of a polyester material. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more ripcords are made of any suitable material. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more ripcords has circular cross-section.

[0060] Furthermore, the optical fiber cable 100 includes a peripheral strength member. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the peripheral strength member is made of aramid yarns. In addition, the peripheral strength member is located between the first layer 108 and the second layer 110.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a number of the one or more ripcords are 1. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the one or more ripcords may vary. In addition, the optical fiber cable 100 has an outer diameter in a range of 5.6 – 6.0 millimeters. Moreover, the optical fiber cable 100 has a weight of about 33 kilograms per kilometer. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 has the weight in a range of 33 kilograms per kilometer ± 10 percent.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the reduced outer diameter and the reduced weight enables blowing of the optical fiber cable in the small ducts. Further, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 has a crush resistance of about 500 Newton.

[0063] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 has a fill factor in a range of 80 percent to 90 percent. The fill factor of the optical fiber cable 100 corresponds to a ratio of a cross section area of the optical fiber cable 100 and ratio of a cross section area of the duct.

[0064] In general, the optical fiber cable 100 is installed in one or more ducts. In general, each of the one or more ducts is a polyethylene duct. The one or more ducts are configured for installation of the micro optical fiber cable for long distances. In an example, each of the one or ducts has a size present in a range of 3 millimeters to 16 millimeters. The optical fiber cable 100 is suitable for installation in the micro duct.

[0065] The micro duct is a duct with a small diameter. In addition, the micro duct is flexible or semi-flexible. Further, the micro duct is designed to provide clean, continuous and low-friction paths for placing the optical fiber cable 100. In an example, each of the one or more ducts may be pre-lubricated by a manufacturer to avoid lubrication during the installation. In another example of the present disclosure, each of the one or more ducts is lubricated during the installation of the optical fiber cable 100. The one or more ducts have a low coefficient of friction for installation of the optical fiber cable 100 over large distances.

[0066] Furthermore, the optical fiber cable 100 is installed inside the one or more ducts by a cable jetting technique. The cable jetting technique follows a cable blowing method for blowing the optical fiber cable 100 inside a duct of the one or more ducts. The optical fiber cable 100 is blown into the duct by using compressed air. The cable blowing is performed by utilizing special equipment produced by various manufacturers. The special equipment corresponds to a cable jetting machine or a cable blowing machine. The cable blowing machine utilizes high volume air compressors. Further, a blowing performance is based on the cable diameter and the cable weight of the optical fiber cable 100.

[0067] Furthermore, length of installation of the optical fiber cable 100 is based on reduction in friction. In general, the reduction in friction depends on a value of a coefficient of friction. The coefficient of friction is inversely proportional to the length of the installation of the optical fiber cable 100. In addition, the coefficient of friction should be small in order to increase the length of installation of the optical fiber cable 100.

[0068] Further, it may be noted that in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the optical fiber cable 100 includes six buffer tubes 104a-104f; however, those skilled in the art would appreciate that more or less number of buffer tubes are included in the optical fiber cable 100.

[0069] The optical fiber cable has numerous advantages over the prior art. The optical fiber cable is easy to installer in small ducts. In addition, the optical fiber cable has a small diameter. Moreover, the optical fiber cable has a reduced weight. The small diameter and the reduced weight enable the easier installation of the optical fiber cable in the small ducts. The optical fiber cable can be installed in 8 mm/12mm ducts. Further, the small diameter and the reduced weight increases the blowing performance of the optical fiber cable. Furthermore, the optical fiber cable is a cable with a single layer construction. The single layer construction enables a decrease in manufacturing time for the optical fiber cable. Also, the single layer construction allows easier access to inner layers of the optical fiber cable during mid-spanning.

[0070] The foregoing descriptions of pre-defined embodiments of the present technology have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present technology and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present technology and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present technology.