FRP-reinforced cable for aerial access networks
Aerial FTTH Drop Cable with Steel Messenger
Aerial FTTH Drop Cable combines 1, 2 or 4 G.657.A2 single-mode fibers, FRP strength members and a galvanized steel messenger in a compact 2.0 × 5.2 mm flat profile. It is intended for final outdoor spans between the access network and the subscriber premises.
The completely dry construction uses a black, UV-resistant LSZH-FR jacket and withstands up to 600 N during installation and 300 N in service.
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Aerial FTTH Drop Cable Construction
This messenger flat drop cable carries 1, 2 or 4 coated G.657.A2 single-mode fibers. FRP strength members reinforce the fiber section, while a 1.0 mm FeZn steel messenger supports the aerial load. The complete 2.0 × 5.2 mm profile is covered with a black LSZH-FR, UV-resistant outer jacket.
G.657.A2 fiber provides improved macrobending performance for compact access routes and subscriber-side terminations. The FRP members reinforce the fiber section; the separate steel messenger is metallic and must be considered when the route requires electrical isolation or an all-dielectric cable.
Key construction advantages
- Completely dry design for clean cable preparation
- FRP reinforcement around the fiber section
- Steel messenger for short aerial access spans
- UV-resistant LSZH-FR outer jacket
Where it fits in the network
The cable connects the outdoor access or distribution point to the subscriber premises. Its low fiber count and flat profile are suited to the final drop section rather than feeder or backbone routes.
Aerial FTTH Drop Cable Features
Completely dry design
The dry construction simplifies cable preparation and avoids filling compounds at the termination point.
FRP strength members
FRP members reinforce the fiber section while maintaining a compact flat profile.
Steel messenger support
A 1.0 mm galvanized steel messenger carries the mechanical load across the aerial span.
G.657.A2 access fiber
Bend-insensitive G.657.A2 single-mode fiber supports compact FTTH routing and termination conditions.
LSZH-FR, UV-resistant jacket
The black outer jacket is flame-retardant, low-smoke, halogen-free and suitable for outdoor UV exposure.
Compact 2.0 × 5.2 mm profile
The flat dimensions and approximate 20 kg/km weight support practical handling on last-mile routes.
Typical Applications and Route Scenarios
This aerial FTTH drop cable is intended for the final low-fiber-count connection where a compact messenger cable runs from an outdoor distribution point to the subscriber premises. Span length, support method, wind and ice load, local installation rules and the specified cable tension must be checked before installation.
Aerial last span to building entry
For the final outdoor connection from a pole, façade support or distribution point to the building entry.
Access network drop section
For 1, 2 or 4-fiber FTTH / FTTx access layouts that do not require feeder-cable capacity.
Subscriber-side termination routes
For routes ending at a wall box, splice point or subscriber-side optical termination.
When another cable is the better choice
Use an indoor drop cable for fully indoor routes. Specify a genuine all-dielectric design where metallic components are prohibited, or a heavier aerial cable where the calculated span load exceeds this cable’s mechanical limits.
Route-first selection matters
Confirm the aerial span, support hardware, environmental load and building-entry method before selecting the fiber count and delivery length.
Aerial FTTH Drop Cable Specifications
Values below are taken directly from the UPCOM Messenger Flat FRP Drop Cable datasheet.
| Specification item | Published value |
|---|---|
| Fiber count | 1 / 2 / 4 fibers |
| Fiber type | Single-mode G.657.A2, 250 µm coated fiber |
| FRP strength member diameter | 0.5 mm ±10% |
| Steel messenger diameter | 1.0 mm ±10% |
| Outer jacket | Black LSZH-FR, UV-resistant |
| Nominal cable dimensions | 2.0 × 5.2 mm |
| Approx. weight | 20 kg/km ±10% |
| Maximum tensile strength | 600 N during installation / 300 N in service |
| Minimum bending radius | 20 mm during installation / 15 mm in service |
| Crush resistance | 4000 N/dm short term / 2000 N/dm long term |
| Impact resistance | 3 impacts at Wp = 5 J |
| Repeated bending | 10 cycles at r = 120 mm, 1 kg load |
| Temperature range | Installation: +5 °C to +50 °C; service and storage: -30 °C to +70 °C |
| Mechanical test methods | IEC 60794-1-2 E1, E3, E4, E6 and E11; IEC 60794-1-22 F1 |
| Combustion test methods | IEC 60332-1-2, IEC 61034-2, IEC 60754-1 and IEC 60754-2 |
How to Choose the Right Aerial Drop Cable
Confirm the route and mechanical conditions before ordering. The checklist below covers the technical details required to select and quote the cable correctly.
Define the installation route
Confirm the aerial span, attachment points, wind and ice exposure, building entry and any indoor continuation.
Confirm the messenger requirement
This construction contains a galvanized steel messenger. Use an all-dielectric cable if the route prohibits conductive components.
Select the fiber count
Specify 1, 2 or 4 G.657.A2 fibers and confirm any required fiber color sequence or identification rules.
Check sheath and test requirements
Confirm that the black UV-resistant LSZH-FR jacket and the listed IEC test methods match the project specification and local rules.
Define delivery and termination details
State the required cable length, drum length, printing, support hardware, termination method and delivery destination in the RFQ.
Useful External References
These technical references cover the fiber type, cable test framework and combustion methods used when specifying aerial FTTH drop cables.
- ITU-T G.657 – bending-loss-insensitive single-mode fiber for access-oriented use cases
- IEC 60794 family – optical fiber cable test methodology and requirements context
- IEC 60332-1-2 – vertical flame propagation testing reference
- FOA Fiber Optic Cable Guide – practical overview of cable families and installation fit
FAQ for FTTH Aerial Drop Cable
What is FTTH Drop Cable Aerial used for?
It is used in the final connection section of an FTTH / FTTx route where a compact flat cable is needed for the subscriber-side drop and the route includes a short aerial span or similar access transition.
Which fiber type and counts are available?
The datasheet specifies G.657.A2 single-mode fiber in 1, 2 and 4-fiber configurations.
Is this aerial FTTH drop cable all-dielectric?
No. FRP members reinforce the fiber section, but the cable also contains a 1.0 mm FeZn steel messenger for aerial support. Specify an all-dielectric design if metallic components are prohibited.
When should I choose the indoor drop cable instead?
If the route stays inside the building and does not need an aerial last-span construction, the indoor FTTH drop cable is usually the cleaner and more purpose-built choice.
Is this cable the right choice for every outdoor route?
No. It is intended for low-fiber-count last-mile spans within the published mechanical limits. Longer spans, higher environmental loads or feeder routes may require a heavier aerial cable.
What should I include in an RFQ?
State the span length, attachment points, environmental load, fiber count, drum length, cable printing, support hardware, building-entry detail and delivery destination.