Blog

Fiber optic cables are the backbone of modern communication, transmitting data at lightning speeds using light signals. For businesses, selecting the right type of fiber optic cable is essential to ensure reliable connectivity, minimize downtime, and optimize costs. Two primary options exist: armored and unarmored fiber optic cables. But what sets them apart, and which is best suited for your business? This article provides a detailed, easy-to-understand comparison, packed with facts, a comparison table, and practical insights tailored to business customers.

What Are Armored and Non-Armored Fiber Optic Cables?

Before diving into the comparison, let’s define these two types:

• Armored Fiber Optic Cables: These cables feature an additional protective layer, typically made of metal (e.g., aluminum or steel), surrounding the delicate optical fibers. This “armor” shields the cable from physical damage, making it ideal for challenging environments.
• Non-Armored Fiber Optic Cables: These lack the extra protective layer, relying on a basic outer jacket (usually plastic or polymer). They’re lighter and more flexible but offer less resistance to physical threats.

The key difference lies in their level of protection, which directly impacts where and how they’re used. Let’s break it down further.

Comparison Table: Armored vs. Non-Armored Fiber Optic Cables

Here’s a quick-reference table summarizing the key differences:

This table provides a snapshot, but let’s explore each aspect in detail to understand how these factors affect business decisions.

Detailed Comparison

Protection

• Armored: The metal armor offers robust defense against physical threats like crushing, cutting, moisture, and even rodent bites. This makes armored cables a top choice for environments where cables are exposed to stress or hazards.
• Unarmored: These cables have a basic outer jacket that protects against minor wear but isn’t designed for heavy physical abuse. They’re best suited for areas with minimal risk, such as inside buildings.

Business Insight: If your cables run through areas prone to damage (e.g., factory floors or outdoor trenches), armored cables provide critical protection. For a secure office setting, unarmored cables suffice.

Cost

• Armored: The additional materials and manufacturing processes increase the price. Installation costs may also rise due to the need for specialized tools or labor.
• Unarmored: These are more cost-effective upfront, appealing to businesses looking to minimize initial expenses.

Business Insight: While armored cables cost more initially, they can save money over time by reducing repair or replacement needs. Businesses must weigh short-term budgets against long-term savings.

Installation

• Armored: Heavier and less flexible, armored cables can be trickier to install, especially in tight spaces or complex layouts. They may require extra support structures or professional installers.
• Unarmored: Lightweight and flexible, these cables are easier to handle, route, and install, often reducing labor time and costs.

Business Insight: For rapid deployments or small IT teams, unarmored cables simplify the process. Larger projects in rugged areas may justify the extra effort for armored cables.

Usage Scenarios

• Armored: Ideal for outdoor installations (e.g., underground or aerial runs), industrial settings, or high-traffic zones where cables face physical risks.
• Unarmored: Perfect for indoor use, such as wiring data centers, server rooms, or office buildings where conditions are controlled.

Business Insight: A manufacturing plant might need armored cables for machinery-heavy areas, while a corporate office can rely on unarmored cables for internal networking.

Durability

• Armored: Built to withstand harsh conditions, these cables have a longer lifespan in challenging environments, reducing the frequency of replacements.
• Unarmored: Durable enough for standard settings but may degrade faster if exposed to physical stress or environmental hazards.

Business Insight: In high-risk areas, armored cables offer longevity. In stable environments, unarmored cables provide sufficient durability without over-investment.

Weight and Size

• Armored: The metal layer makes these cables bulkier and heavier, which can complicate cable management in confined spaces.
• Unarmored: Slimmer and lighter, they’re easier to route through conduits, trays, or tight areas.

Business Insight: Space-constrained setups (e.g., dense server racks) benefit from unarmored cables, while outdoor or industrial runs can accommodate the bulk of armored ones.

Maintenance

• Armored: Enhanced protection means less frequent maintenance, even in tough conditions.
• Non-Armored : May require more regular inspections or repairs if placed in environments where damage is possible.

Business Insight: Businesses with limited maintenance resources might prefer armored cables for their resilience, while those with proactive IT teams can manage unarmored cables effectively.

When Should you Choose Armored or Unarmored Cables?

The decision hinges on your business’s specific needs, environment, and budget. Here’s a guide:

Choose Armored Cables If:

• High-Risk Environments: Your cables will be exposed to physical damage (e.g., construction sites, industrial plants, or outdoor areas).
• Future-Proofing: You want to protect against potential changes, like increased traffic or environmental shifts.
• Long-Term Savings: Durability and reduced maintenance outweigh the higher upfront cost.

Example: A logistics company with warehouses and outdoor yards might opt for armored cables to protect against machinery and weather.

Choose Unarmored Cables If:

• Controlled Settings: Your operations are indoors (e.g., offices, data centers) with minimal physical risks.
• Budget Priority: Lower initial costs and easier installation are key considerations.
• Space Constraints: You need lightweight, flexible cables for tight or complex layouts.

Example: A tech startup in a leased office building might choose unarmored cables for cost efficiency and simplicity.

Additional Information

Types of Armor

Armored cables vary based on the armor type, each suited to specific needs:

• Aluminum Interlocking Armor: Flexible and lightweight, often used indoors or in semi-exposed areas.
• Corrugated Steel Tape Armor: Tougher and more resistant to moisture and rodents, ideal for outdoor or direct burial applications.

Business Tip: Consult with your provider to match the armor type to your environment (e.g., steel for wet climates, aluminum for indoor flexibility).

Avoiding Over-Specification

Armored cables offer superior protection, but they’re not always necessary. In a secure, climate-controlled office with proper cable management, unarmored cables perform just as well at a lower cost. Assess your risks to avoid overspending.

Installation Best Practices

• Armored Cables: Plan for their weight and rigidity. Use additional supports (e.g., brackets) and consider professional installation to ensure safety and performance.
• Unarmored Cables: Handle with care to avoid sharp bends or excessive tension, which can damage fibers. Secure them properly to prevent long-term stress.

Business Tip: Factor installation costs into your budget. Armored cables may require more upfront investment, but unarmored ones can still fail if poorly installed.

Choosing between armored and unarmored fiber optic cables is a strategic decision for businesses. Armored cables excel in harsh, high-risk environments, offering unmatched protection and durability at a higher cost. Unarmored cables shine in controlled settings, providing cost savings and ease of use without sacrificing performance where risks are low.

By evaluating your business’s environment, budget, and long-term goals, you can select the right cable type to keep your operations connected and efficient. Whether you need the rugged resilience of armored cables or the practical simplicity of unarmored ones, the right choice will support your business’s success in today’s fast-paced, data-driven world.