Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an optical communication system having an optical cable with an improved configuration for multi-fiber arrangements. In particular, the invention is embodied in an optical communication system including an optical cable having an improved dry filling compound for protecting and maintaining multi-fiber arrangements therein and yet enabling relatively easy access thereto. The system includes a source of optical energy, an optical cable coupled to the source for transmitting optical energy from the source, and a receiver coupled to the optical cable for receiving optical energy from the source. The optical cable includes at least one multi-fiber unit tube having therein a plurality of optical fibers such as individual fibers or one or more fiber ribbons, and a dry filling compound formed around the at least one multi-fiber unit tube.