Prysmian Group announces world’s first 180μm fibre cable for FTTx and 5G networks

Prysmian Group, world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry, launches the world’s first commercially available 180μm fibre cable. Further to previous announcements for BendBrightXS 180μm fibre and Sirocco HD cables, Prysmian combines the two technologies to launch its Sirocco Extreme microduct cable with 288 fibres in a diameter of 6.5mm, providing world record diameter and fibre density for a blown microduct cable of 288 fibres. With a fibre density of 8.7 fibres per mm2 it is possible to install the cable into an 8mm ID duct where previously it was only possible to install up to 192 fibres.

Sirocco Extreme microduct cables utilize Prysmian Group’s BendBrightXS 180μm single-mode bend-insensitive fibre (ITU-T G.657.A2), providing a solution that’s ready for evolved systems and future-proof. “Prysmian’s BendBrightXS fibres are capable of providing the necessary standard of cable density, and of supporting the necessary fibre spectrum demanded by new PON technologies” states Ian Griffiths, Director R&D Telecom Business at Prysmian Group. “Bend-insensitive fibre’s resilience gives manufacturers the ability to design cabling solutions which were previously impossible to create, but are now demanded by today’s rapidly changing environments. With their extreme fibre count and reduced diameter, Sirocco Extreme microduct cables make installation faster, more cost-effective and environmental friendly. Designed for installation into microducts, they are perfectly fit for blowing in high density access, FTTx and 5G networks and offer a scalable solution that’s high-density, physically compact, and easily deployable for a future-fit solution”.

Sirocco Extreme is currently available in a fibre count of 288 with further fibre counts to be available later in the year. The cable conforms to international standards for optical and mechanical performance and benefits using Prysmian’s PicoTube technology making them up to 40% smaller than Sirocco microduct cables. This makes it possible to install more fibres into congested duct space and enables the use of smaller ducts for new installations, resulting in lower installation costs and the use of less raw materials. This provides benefits for both the total cost of network deployment and the environmental footprint.
As the world’s demand for information continues to increase, fibre networks are becoming more dynamic, crowded, and limited for space, and Sirocco Extreme product enhancements show once again the Group’s commitment to respond to these evolving needs of the market.