Claims:Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An optical fiber cable (100) comprising:

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

one or more buffer tubes (104a-104l) stranded around the central strength member, wherein each of the one or more buffer tubes (104a-104l) encloses 24 optical fibers and wherein each of the optical fibers has a diameter of about 200 microns;

a first layer (108) surrounding the one or more buffer tubes, wherein the first layer (108) comprises one or more yarns and wherein the first layer (108) acts as a binding element for the one or more buffer tubes (104a-104l); and

a second layer (110) surrounding the first layer (108),
wherein the optical fiber cable (100) has an outer diameter of about 8.8 millimeters and a weight of about 85 kilograms per kilometer.

2. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of water swellable yarns positioned over the one or more buffer tubes (104a-104l), wherein the plurality of water swellable yarns prevent ingression of water inside a stranded core of the optical fiber cable (100).

3. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of ripcords embedded in the first layer and lying substantially along the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable (100) , wherein the plurality of ripcords facilitates stripping of the second layer (110).

4. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein the central strength member is coated with a layer of polyethylene, wherein the central strength member provides tensile strength to the optical fiber cable, wherein the tensile strength of the optical fiber cable (100) is about 2000 Newton and wherein the central strength member has a diameter of about 4.80 millimeter.

5. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein the central strength member is not coated.

6. 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.

7. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more buffer tubes (104a-104l) 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-104l).

8. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more buffer tubes (104a-104l) is S-Z stranded around the central strength member, wherein each of the one or more buffer tubes (104a-104l) 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 and wherein the first direction is a clockwise direction and the second direction is an anticlockwise direction.

9. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein the second layer (110) is made of polyethylene, wherein the second layer (110) has a thickness of about 0.45 millimeter.

10. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more buffer tubes (104a-104l ) has an inner diameter of about 1.20 millimeters, an outer diameter of about 1.60 millimeters, a thickness of about 0.20 millimeter and a lay length of about 85 millimeters.

11. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical fiber cable (100) has a crush resistance of about 500 Newton and a fiber packing density of about 90 percent.

12. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, further comprising a peripheral strength member placed between the first layer (108) and the second layer (110) and lying substantially along the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable and wherein the peripheral strength member is made of aramid yarn.

13. The optical fiber cable (100) as recited in claim 1, wherein the optical fiber cable (100) has a fill factor in a range of 30 percent to 55 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 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 ducts. These micro optical fiber cables have a small cable diameter which makes these cables suitable for installation in the ducts. A constant check is maintained on the diameter and a 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 air propels the optical fiber cable further inside the duct. The optical fiber cable is 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 are not suitable for installation in smaller ducts due to the large diameter. In addition, the existing micro optical fiber cables are heavy. This leads to a poor blowing performance from the cable blowing machine. Further, the existing micro optical fiber cables have a dual layer construction. This increases the manufacturing time of the optical fiber cables. Also, there is a considerable risk of crushing of the inner layer in the dual layer design. Furthermore, the access to inner layers of the optical fiber cables during mid-spanning is difficult due to the dual layer design.

[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 for an ease installation in small ducts.

[0006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the micro optical fiber cable having 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.

[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to decrease a manufacturing time of the micro optical fiber cable.

[0010] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to allow easier access to inner layers of the micro optical fiber cable during mid-spanning.
SUMMARY
[0011] 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 24 optical fibers. Each of the optical fibers has a diameter of about 200 microns. The first layer includes one or more yarns. In addition, the first layer acts as a binding element for the one or more buffer tubes. The optical fiber cable has an outer diameter of about 8.8 millimeter and a weight of about 85 kilograms per kilometer.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable further includes a plurality of water swellable yarns positioned over the one or more buffer tubes. The plurality of water swellable yarns prevents ingression of water in a stranded core of the optical fiber cable.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable further includes a plurality of ripcords embedded in the first layer. The plurality of ripcords lies substantially along the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable. The plurality of ripcords facilitates stripping of the second layer.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the central strength member is coated with a layer of polyethylene. The central strength member provides tensile strength to the optical fiber cable. The tensile strength of the optical fiber cable is about 2000 Newton. The central strength member has a diameter of about 4.80 millimeter.
[0015] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the central strength member is not coated.

[0016] 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 consisting of polyester, aramid and polypropylene.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second layer is made of polyethylene. The second layer has a thickness of about 0.45 millimeter.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes has an inner diameter of about 1.20 millimeter, an outer diameter of about 1.60 millimeter, a thickness of about 0.20 millimeter and a lay length of about 85 millimeter.
[0021] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable has a crush resistance of about 500 Newton and a fiber packing density of about 90 percent.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable further includes a peripheral strength member. The peripheral strength member is placed between the first layer and the second layer. The peripheral strength member lies substantially along the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable. The peripheral strength member is made of aramid yarn.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable has a fill factor in a range of 30 percent to 55 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 24 optical fibers. Each of the optical fibers has a diameter of about 200 microns. The first layer has one or more yarns. In addition, the first layer acts as a binding element for the one or more buffer tubes. The optical fiber cable has an outer diameter of about 8.8 millimeter and a weight of about 85 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;

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

[0029] FIG. 1D illustrates a perspective view of the optical fiber cable of FIG. 1C, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] 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
[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 addition, the optical fiber cable 100 is used for underground installations. Also, the optical fiber cable 100 is used for communication, and the like. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 is a 288F micro optical fiber cable. In addition, 288F corresponds to 288 optical fibers. Further, the optical fiber cable 100 has a small diameter which makes the optical fiber cable 100 suitable for installation in the micro ducts.

[0034] 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, each of the one or more buffer tubes has a small diameter. Further, the optical fiber cable 100 has a reduced cable weight.

[0035] As shown in the FIG. 1A, the optical fiber cable 100 includes a central strength member 102, one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l, 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-112c and a plurality of ripcords 114a-114b. The optical fiber cable 100 is used to transmit optical signals (which may carry sensor data or communication data).

[0036] Further, the central strength member 102 lies substantially along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable 100. In addition, the central strength member 102 may be coated with a layer of polyethylene. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the central strength member 102 may be coated with any suitable material. The material includes but not be limited to high density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene and polypropylene. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the central strength member 102 has a circular cross-section. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the central strength member 102 is made of a composite material having a polymer matrix. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the composite material is flexible fiber reinforced plastic. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the central strength member 102 may not be coated.

[0037] The fiber reinforced plastic is a composite material having a polymer matrix reinforced with glass fibers. Examples of the fiber reinforced plastics include glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, basalt fibers and the like. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the central strength member 102 is made of any suitable material. 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. The central strength member 102 provides tensile strength to the optical fiber cable 100. The tensile strength corresponds to a resistance shown by the optical fiber cable 100 against buckling. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tensile strength of the optical fiber cable 100 is about 2000 Newton. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the tensile strength of the optical fiber cable 100 is in a range of 0 Newton – 2000 Newton.

[0038] The central strength member 102 is characterized by a diameter measured along the cross section. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the diameter of the central strength member 102 along with the polyethylene coating is about 4.80 millimeters. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the diameter of the central strength member 102 along with polyethylene coating is in a range of 4.80 millimeter ± 0.2 millimeter. The diameter corresponds to addition of the diameter of the central strength member 102 and the diameter of the polyethylene coating. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the diameter of the central strength member 102 may vary. Also, the central strength member 102 prevents buckling of the optical fiber cable 100.

[0039] Further, the optical fiber cable 100 includes the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l. The one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is stranded around the central strength member 102 to form a stranded core. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the central strength member 102 is surrounded by the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is S-Z stranded around the central strength member 102. Each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is 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. The S-Z fashion of stranding is a form of stranding of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l. In addition, the S-Z stranding allows uniform distribution of the stress across all the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l. The S-Z stranding may have any number of turns between the S-shape and the Z-shape.

[0041] The S-Z stranding of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is performed in order to maintain a uniform lay length, mid-spanning and achieve higher production speeds as compared to Helical stranding. 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-104l is about 85 millimeters. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the lay length of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is in a range of 85 millimeters ± 5 millimeters. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the lay length of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l may vary.

[0042] The cross section of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is circular in shape. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cross section of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l may be of any suitable shape. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l has a uniform structure and dimensions. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a number of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is 12. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l may vary.

[0043] Each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l has a thickness. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is equal. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is about 0.20 millimeter. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is in a range of 0.20 millimeter ± 0.02 millimeter. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l may vary.

[0044] Furthermore, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l 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-104l is fixed. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner diameter of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is about 1.20 millimeters. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner diameter of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is in a range of 1.20 millimeters ± 0.05 millimeter. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner diameter of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l may vary.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer diameter of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is about 1.60 millimeters. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer diameter of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is in a range of 1.60 millimeters ± 0.05 millimeter. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer diameter of each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l may vary. Further, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is a micro loose tube.

[0046] Going further, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l encloses the plurality of optical fibers 106. In addition, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l encloses 24 optical fibers. Each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is a tube for encapsulating the plurality of optical fibers 106. The one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l 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-104l protects the plurality of optical fibers 106 and prevents ingression of water inside the stranded core of the optical fiber cable 100.

[0047] Further, the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l 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-104l provides a single layer core construction. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is colored. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l 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-104l. The colors include blue, orange, green, brown, gray, white, red, black, yellow, violet, pink and aqua.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is filled with a gel. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gel is a thixotropic gel. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thixotropic gel prevents ingression of water inside each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l.

[0049] 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 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.

[0050] Each of the plurality of optical fibers 106 has a diameter of about 200 microns. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of optical fibers 106 has a diameter in a range of 200 microns ± 10 microns. In yet 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 standard ITU-T G.652D silica optical fiber. 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-104l is 24. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the plurality of optical fibers 106 in each of the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l is more or less than 24. 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 288 (24*12). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the total number of the plurality of optical fibers 106 may be more or less than 288 depending upon the number of buffer tubes the optical fibers in each buffer tube.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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-104l 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-104l. The first layer 108 includes one or more yarns. In addition, the first layer acts as a binding element for the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l. 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. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the binder yarn is made of polyester. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the binder yarn is made of aramid. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the binder yarn is made of polypropylene. 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-104l to prevent opening up of the S-Z stranded one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l. 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-104l. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first layer 108 acts as a strengthening element for the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l.

[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 110 is made of polyethylene. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second layer 110 is made of any suitable material. The material includes medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon and the like. 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. 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.

[0057] Going further, the optical fiber cable 100 includes the plurality of water swellable yarns 112a-112c. The plurality of water swellable yarns 112a-112c is positioned over the one or more buffer tubes 104a-104l. The plurality of water swellable yarns 112a-112c 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-112c is 3. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the plurality of water swellable yarns 112a-112c may vary.

[0058] Further, the optical fiber cable 100 includes the plurality of ripcords 114a-114b. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of ripcords 114a-114b is embedded in the first layer 108. The plurality of ripcords 114a-114b lies substantially along the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable 100. The plurality of ripcords 114a-114b facilitates stripping of the second layer 110. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of ripcords 114a-114b is made of a polyester material. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of ripcords 114a-114b is made of any suitable material. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of ripcords 114a-114b has a circular cross-section. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a number of the plurality of ripcords 114a-114b is 2. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the plurality of ripcords 114a-114b may vary.

[0059] In addition, the optical fiber cable 100 has an outer diameter of about 8.8 millimeters. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 has the outer diameter in a range of 8.8 millimeters ± 0.3 millimeter. Moreover, the optical fiber cable 100 has a weight of about 85 kilograms per kilometer. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 has a weight in a range of 85 kilograms per kilometer ± 10 percent.

[0060] The reduced outer diameter and the reduced weight enable blowing of the optical fiber cable in the small ducts. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 has a crush resistance of about 500 Newton and a fiber packing density of about 90 percent. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 has a crush resistance in a range of 0-500 Newton. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 has the fiber packing density in a range of 90 percent ± 5 percent.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 includes a peripheral strength member 116 placed between the first layer 108 and the second layer 110 (as shown in FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D). The peripheral strength member 116 lies substantially along the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable 100. The peripheral strength member 116 provides an extra tensile strength to the optical fiber cable 100. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 may not include the peripheral strength member 116. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the peripheral strength member 116 is made of aramid yarn.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 has a fill factor in a range of 30 percent to 55 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.

[0063] In general, the optical fiber cable 100 is installed in duct. 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 an outer diameter size present in a range of 16 millimeters to 18 millimeters. The optical fiber cable 100 is suitable for installation in the micro duct.

[0064] 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.

[0065] Furthermore, the optical fiber cable 100 is installed inside the duct 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 duct. 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.

[0066] Further, it may be noted that in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D, the optical fiber cable 100 includes twelve buffer tubes 104a-104l; however, those skilled in the art would appreciate that more or less number of buffer tubes are included in the optical fiber cable 100.

[0067] 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. 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.

[0068] 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.