Abstract: A steam resistant optical fiber cable for use adjacent underground steam ducts in metropolitan locations. The optical fiber cable comprises polyethersulfone loose tubes for enhanced hydrolytic stability and a welded aluminum tube swaged over the fiber core to provide moisture imperviousness. The welded aluminum tube is bonded to the fiber core with an intermediate resin barrier layer to provide resistance to repeated cyclic flexing of the cable.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable of the type having a core comprising a plurality of units wherein each unit comprises a plurality of optical fibers extending generally along the cable and a binder wrapped about the unit. A tube containing a waterblocking material therein is provided to enclose the plurality of units, and a jacket is provided to enclose the tube. The improved cable provides for a binder comprising an interlocking stitch formed of one or more yarns to provide improved fiber unit identification and obviate "microbending" losses due to binder tension.