Abstract: A tubeless fiber optic cable is disclosed, including at least one optical fiber extending in a longitudinal direction, and an outer jacket extending in the longitudinal direction so as to surround the optical fiber. The outer jacket has a cross-section defining an inner surface and an outer surface. At least one strength member extends in the longitudinal direction along the outer jacket and is disposed so that a portion thereof protrudes from the inner surface of the outer jacket, so that when a ripcord is pulled from the outer jacket separation of the outer jacket occurs, thereby allowing access to a cavity containing the optical fiber. In another embodiment, the ripcord protrudes from the inner surface of the outer jacket.

Abstract: An armored fiber optic cable 10 can be installed in a channel 3, excavated in a roadway or other paved surface by a laying unit 1 including a cutting wheel 2. The armored fiber optic cable includes optical fibers 11 located within a cylindrical thermoplastic inner jacket 13. An armor layer or jacket 12 surrounds this inner jacket, and an outer barrier jacket 14 extends around this armor jacket. This armored fiber optic cable 10 need not be disposed in a tube or pipe, and mid-span access to the optical fibers 11 can be readily obtained by removing a section of the armored jacket 12. The armor jacket 12 can be joined to the inner jacket 13, fabricated from a thermoplastic material, to limit longitudinal contraction due to thermal contraction and bucking of the optical fibers 11.