Rollable Ribbon
Optical fiber rollable ribbons can roughly double fiber density versus using traditional outside plant cables, which makes these ribbons a very valuable tool in the network designer’s toolbox.
The fibers in a rollable ribbon are attached intermittently. This configuration makes the ribbon much more flexible and “rollable”. In addition, this design enables more fiber to be installed in less space than flat ribbon cables while also allowing the fibers to be spliced using typical ribbon splicing techniques and equipment.
While greater fiber density (more fibers in a smaller space) is a key starting point, rollable ribbon technology offers many more benefits when compared to flat ribbon cables.
Lighter weight for longer pulling/blowing distances and reduced installation costs.
Smaller coiling diameters to fit in smaller handholes.
Smaller cables enable longer lengths on a reel.
Longer lengths can reduce the number of splice points, splicing costs and shipping costs. These ribbon cables are also gel-free. While removing the gel decreases the cable weight, the main benefit is to speed up and simplify the splicing process. Taking the splicing process into account, the list of rollable ribbon benefits grows even longer.
They can be spliced using typical ribbon splicing techniques, maintaining the productivity and restoration speed benefits of ribbons.
It is easier to break out individual fibers from the ribbon structure when using rollable ribbons.
There is the potential to use smaller splice trays, which improves closure density, as rollable ribbons are not confined to a rigid flat ribbon structure.
