Abstract: Methods for forming tight buffered cables containing a strippable buffer layer are described. An optical fiber may be provided, and a buffer layer formed from a polymeric material may be extruded around the optical fiber. The buffer layer may be compressed while the polymeric material is cooling following extrusion. The compression may facilitate subsequent loosening of the buffer layer from the optical fiber based at least in part upon stress relaxation of the buffer layer.

Abstract: A cable may include a plurality of twisted pairs of individually insulating electrical conductors, and a respective individual shield formed around each of the twisted pairs. Additionally, each individual shield may include electrically conductive material that is continuous in a longitudinal direction. An overall shield may be formed around the plurality of twisted pairs and individual shields. The overall shield may include a dielectric layer, a first layer of electrically conductive material that is continuous in the longitudinal direction formed on a first surface of the dielectric layer, and a second layer of electrically conductive material that is continuous in the longitudinal direction formed on a second surface of the dielectric layer opposite the first surface. The first and second layers of electrically conductive material and each of the individual shields may be in electrical contact with one another. Additionally, a jacket may be formed around the overall shield.

Abstract: A cable may include a plurality of twisted pairs of individually insulated conductors and a separator positioned between the plurality of twisted pairs. The separator may include a first longitudinally extending tape structure having a first longitudinal fold formed between its widthwise edges and a second longitudinally extending tape structure having a second longitudinal fold formed between its widthwise edges. Additionally, the first tape structure and the second tape structure may be bonded together along a longitudinally extending line proximate to the first and second longitudinal folds. A jacket may be formed around the plurality of twisted pairs and the separator.

Abstract: Communication cables incorporating a plurality of twisted pair components formed around a central member are described. A central member may extend lengthwise along a longitudinal length of a cable, and the central member may include a channel extending lengthwise that defines a longitudinal cavity through the central member. A plurality of unjacketed twisted pair components may be formed around the central member, and each component may include a plurality of twisted pairs of individually insulated electrical conductors Further, a jacket may be formed around the central member and the plurality of twisted pair components.

Abstract: Twisted pair cables incorporated separators with cooling channels are described. A cable may include a plurality of twisted pairs of individually insulated electrical conductors, and a separator extending lengthwise along a longitudinal length of the cable may be positioned between at least two of the plurality of twisted pairs. The separator may include a flexible body configured to maintain the at least two pairs in a predetermined configuration. A first channel extending lengthwise may define a longitudinal cavity through the separator, and at least one second channel may extend from the first channel through the flexible body to an outer surface of the separator. Additionally, the cable may include a jacket formed around the plurality of twisted pairs and the separator.

Abstract: Communication cables incorporating a plurality of twisted pair components formed around a central member are described. A central member may extend lengthwise along a longitudinal length of a cable, and the central member may include a channel extending lengthwise that defines a longitudinal cavity through the central member. A plurality of twisted pair components may be formed around the central member, and each component may include a plurality of twisted pairs of individually insulated electrical conductors and at least one shield layer. The shield layer may include electrically conductive material, and the shield layer may be formed around at least one of the plurality of twisted pairs. Additionally, the shield layer may be in direct contact with the central member. Further, a jacket may be formed around the central member and the plurality of twisted pair components.

Abstract: Flame retardant communications cables may include at least one transmission media and at least one other component, such as a separator, buffer tube, jacket, shield layer, or wrap. The at least one other component may include a body portion, and at least one cavity formed in the body portion in which an extinguishant is positioned. Additionally, the at least one transmission media is not positioned within the at least one cavity.

Abstract: Cables incorporating twisted pair separators that function as shields are describes. A cable may include one or more twisted pairs of individually insulated conductors. A respective separator may be associated with at least one of the twisted pairs. The separator may include a dielectric portion positioned between the conductors of the twisted pair and at least one shielding portion that includes electrically conductive material. The shielding portion may extending from the dielectric portion to form a shield around an outer circumference of the twisted pair. Additionally, the cable may include a jacket formed around the twisted pair and the separator.

Abstract: Shielded twisted pair communication cables are described. A cable may include at least one twisted pair of insulated conductors, and an outer circumference may be defined by the twisted pair along a longitudinal length of the cable. A shield may be formed around the twisted pair, and a jacket may be formed around the shield. Additionally, a dielectric film may separate the insulated conductors of the twisted pair, and the dielectric film may extend beyond the outer circumference of the twisted pair and contact the shield.

Abstract: Water-resistant optical fiber cables and associated methods for forming water-resistant optical fiber cables are provided. A cable may include an outer jacket that defines a cable core. At least one optical fiber may be positioned within the cable core and encapsulated within a suitable sheath, such as a buffer tube. Additionally, a plurality of discrete water swellable fibers may be loosely positioned within the cable to provide water-resistance for the at least one optical fiber.

Abstract: Premise cables for installation in indoor environments, such as risers and plenums, are described. A premise cable may include an outer jacket and at least one twisted pair of individually insulated conductors positioned within a cable core defined by the jacket. Moisture mitigation material is positioned between an outer surface of the jacket and the twisted pair(s), for example, within the cable core. The moisture mitigation material is configured to absorb water vapor that penetrates the jacket, thereby improving electrical performance of the cable. However, the moisture mitigation material does not provide water blocking for the cable.

Abstract: Cables incorporating discontinuous separators or separation fillers are described. A cable may include a plurality of twisted pairs of individually insulated electrical conductors, and a separator may be disposed between at least two of the plurality of twisted pairs. The separator may include a plurality of discrete sections respectively positioned along a longitudinal length of the cable and each section may optionally include electrically conductive material. A jacket may be formed around the plurality of twisted pairs and the separator.

Abstract: Cables incorporating discontinuous shields are described. A cable may include at least one twisted pair of individually insulated conductors, and a shield may be formed around the at least one twisted pair. The shield may include a plurality of segments positioned along a longitudinal direction of the cable. Each segment may include electrically conductive material, and each segment electrically isolated from the other segments. Additionally, a respective overlap may be formed between adjacent segments along a shared longitudinal edge. A jacket may be formed around the at least one twisted pair and the shield.

Abstract: A communication cable, such as a fiber optic cable, can comprise a conductive tape that extends along the cable and that facilitates locating the cable from a remote location, for example when the cable is buried under ground. The tape can comprise a low resistance for transmitting a locate signal along the length of the cable that can be detected remotely by a detector without exposing the cable. The conductive tape can be circumferentially applied around the core of the cable under the cable's jacket. Thus, the conductive tape can be accessed without exposing the core. The cable can include one or more buffer tubes for housing optical fibers. The buffer tubes and/or the jacket can comprise an antioxidant for preventing degradation associated with contact with copper or other metal of the conductive tape.

Abstract: A cable can inhibit water that may inadvertently enter the cable from flowing lengthwise within the cable. The cable can include an outer jacket and at least one optical fiber disposed within the outer jacket. Water blocking barriers can be disposed at different longitudinal locations along the cable, and each water blocking barrier can provide a seal. Each barrier can include a polymer or a cured material and at least one derivative of at least one initiator that induces a reaction with the polymer or the cured material. The at least one initiator can include at least one of a photoinitiator or a thermal initiator.

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 tape located between the outer jacket and the armor can comprise holes, with the outer jacket extending into the holes, towards the armor. The tape can be wrapped around the armor to form a tube, for example. The holes 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 tape can comprise a strip of dielectric material, with adhering patches of electrical conductive material. The patches can be substantially electrically isolated from one another. The strip can be disposed in a communication cable to provide a shield that is electrically discontinuous or has high resistance between opposite cable ends. Each patch can interact with electromagnetic radiation associated with electrical signals transmitting over the cable. The patches can collectively interact with the transmitting electrical signals in a cumulative or resonant manner to produce a spike in return loss at a particular frequency of the transmitting signals. The frequency location of the spike can depend upon the sizes of the patches, with size impacting manufacturability. The patches can be sized such that the spike falls within an operating frequency of the transmitting signal but is suppressed, so the cable meets return loss specifications while offering manufacturing advantage.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable can inhibit water that may inadvertently enter the cable from flowing lengthwise within the cable. The fiber optic cable can include a buffer tube defining an interior volume extending along the cable. Water blocking barriers can be disposed in the buffer tube intermittently along the length of the cable. The barriers can be formed from a UV and thermal cured material and can comprise an acrylic. The barriers can be applied to the optical fibers or to a carrier tape that is wrapped around the optical fibers or fiber bundle. The barriers (or carrier tape) can be disposed against and/or adhere to an inner surface of the buffer tube to provide intermittent water blocking. Each barrier can provide a seal around the optical fibers and can limit flow of water in the interior volume.

Abstract: A cable shield tape can comprise patches of electrically conductive material disposed adjacent a strip of dielectric material, with the patches electrically isolated from one another. An attachment system can mechanically attach the patches to the dielectric material, for example to avoid flammable adhesives. The attachment system can comprise one or more mechanical fasteners, rivets, staples, clips, clamps, metallic members, nonorganic materials, nonflammable materials, holes, holes with flared or mushroomed rims, protrusions, etc. The attachment system can also or alternatively comprise technology for knolling, punching, seating, surface patterning, peening, embossing, etc. The tape can be wrapped around one or more cable conductors, such as wires that transmit data, to provide electrical or electromagnetic shielding. The resulting cable can have a shield that is electrically discontinuous between opposite ends of the cable.

Abstract: A shield for a communication cable can comprise a narrow substrate of electrically insulating material extending lengthwise along the cable. Patches of electrically conductive material can be disposed on, in, or adjacent the substrate, with the patches electrically isolated from one another. The substrate can comprise holes, apertures, openings, and/or areas in which substrate material has been eliminated, reduced, thinned, or removed. Reducing substrate material can benefit the communication cable, for example imparting the cable with an improved burn, flammability, or smoke characteristic or performance rating/score, for example. The resulting cable can comprise a shield that is electrically discontinuous between opposite ends of the cable.