The technical problems connected with the application of fiber-optic data communications over long distances can be considered as solved. There exist a sufficient number of networks in operation which substantiate the validity of this claim. Hitherto, the cables used were mainly buried. The application of aerial cables for this purpose was considered problematical, based on prior experience which revealed a deterioration of the transmission characteristics and lifetime of optical fibers under mechanical load. In cooperation with the Deutsche Bundesbahn (German Federal Railroad) the development of a non-metallic, fiber-optic aerial cable was started in 1987. This cable is suspended from the masts carrying the contact wire. It is suited for free spans up to 100 m (300 ft). The important novel feature of the cable design is a polyethylene jacket with embedded glass yarn bundles which combines high tensile strength and light weight. The evaluation of the cable presented in this paper took place along the railroad track between Reutlingen and Tuebingen, Germany. After three years of successful operation, the test is considered completed.
Design and operation of an aerial fiber-optic cable for railroad communications
Entwurf und Betrieb eines luftgeführten faseroptischen Kabels für die Eisenbahnkommunikation
1991
9 Seiten, 14 Bilder, 1 Tabelle, 1 Quelle
Conference paper
English
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