Abstract: A cable having improved performance during temperature fluctuations includes an outer sheath with a central cavity that does not have a centrally located anchoring member. A plurality of buffer tubes are provided in the central cavity. At least one optical fiber is provided in each of the buffer tubes. The buffer tubes are coupled together to prevent slippage between the buffer tubes, thereby forming a core unit. An adhesive may be provided to couple together the buffer tubes. Alternatively, the buffer tubes may be fused together.

Abstract: An improved optical fiber cable in which the threads that hold the various fiber groups together is made of a water swellable material and is color coded to allow the various fibers of the optical cable to be distinguished from each other. The optical fiber cable, includes a plurality of optical fiber groups, each groups including a plurality of optical fibers; a first water swellable material wrapped around a first group and a second water swellable material wrapped around a second group, wherein the first water swellable material has a color which is different from a color of the second water swellable material so as to allow optical fibers of the first group to be distinguished from optical fibers of the second group; and a sheath holding the plurality of optical fiber groups together. The optical fiber cable further includes a buffer tube in which the plurality of optical fiber groups are disposed arranged such that the sheath surrounds the buffer tube.