Abstract: A communication cable can comprise twisted pairs of electrical conductors for transmitting electrical signals and bundles of optical fibers for transmitting optical signals. The electrical signals and/or the optical signals can support voice and digital communication or data transmission. The twisted pairs can be disposed along a central axis of the communication cable. Each bundle of optical fibers can be disposed in a respective buffer tube. The buffer tubes can be arranged in a ring around the twisted pairs. The communication cable can be configured to manage strain on the optical fibers without subjecting the twisted pairs to deleterious tensile stress. The communication cable can include an outer jacket sized for insertion in a conduit running along a railway or other transportation line.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable can comprise a jacket enclosing an internal space. A member extending lengthwise within the space can provide two or more compartments. Each compartment can house a respective bundle of optical fibers that are color coded for distinguishing the fibers of an individual bundle from one another. Different compartments can house different number of optical fibers. The compartments can comprise indicia for distinguishing the compartments and/or the bundles from one another. The member can be formed by extrusion and can have removable or detachable fins. With the extruded member in a relaxed state, the compartments can be closed. A series of dies can insert the bundles of optical fibers in the compartments. The dies can manipulate the member to open the compartments for bundle insertion. Once the bundles are inserted in the respective compartments, the dies can release the member so the compartments close on the bundles.

Abstract: A communication cable can comprise optical fibers protected by an armor, such as a corrugated metallic tube. An outer jacket can cover the armor to provide environmental protection. A net located between the outer jacket and the armor can comprise openings, with the outer jacket extending into the openings, towards the armor. The net can be wrapped, formed, or woven around the armor, for example. The net can aid a craftsperson in separating the outer jacket from the corrugated metal tube, for example in connection with servicing the cable. The openings can control coupling between the outer jacket and the armor, for example providing a desired level of friction, bonding, adhesion, adherence, fusion, and/or contact between the outer jacket and the armor.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable can comprise technology for mitigating stress on optical fibers of the cable. The technology can protect the optical fibers from compression, such as stemming from installation, deployment, or handling. The technology can compensate for thermally induced expansion and contraction of cable elements having differing thermal expansion characteristics, arising when the cable is subjected to temperature variations. The cable can comprise a central strength member onto which an elastomeric material, such as silicone, has been applied. The elastomeric material can protect optical fibers that are located between the central strength member and an outside jacket.

Abstract: A communication cable can comprise twisted pairs of electrical conductors for transmitting electrical signals and bundles of optical fibers for transmitting optical signals. The electrical signals and/or the optical signals can support voice and digital communication or data transmission. The twisted pairs can be encased in a gelatinous material and disposed along a central axis of the communication cable. Each bundle of optical fibers can be disposed in a respective buffer tube. The buffer tubes can be arranged in a ring around the twisted pairs. The communication cable can be configured to manage strain on the optical fibers without subjecting the twisted pairs to deleterious tensile stress. The communication cable can include strength rods embedded in an outer jacket, with the outer jacket sized for insertion in a conduit running along a railway or other transportation line.