Fibre optics is incredible. Pulses of light transmit data along cables made up of incredibly thin, flexible strands of glass, called fibres — these are typically the same thickness as a piece of hair.
When 100% of the connection uses these fibre optic cables, it’s referred to as full fibre. Compared to the older copper wire technology that relied on electrical impulses, fibre optic networks deliver far higher connection speeds to homes and businesses.
But what is the lifespan of this groundbreaking technology? Having delivered full-fibre connectivity to over 7000 locations, 200 commercial buildings and 2,750 offices since 2016, our team is perfectly placed to explain.
Components in a fibre optic network: built to last
A simplified understanding of what underpins a full-fibre network can help in appreciating its lifespan.
It starts with a transmitter — a semiconductor device that converts electrical signals into optical signals, which are then encoded into LEDs and laser diodes.
These are then transmitted along the cable, itself a fascinating and complex piece of technology, meticulously and precisely designed to maximise its lifespan.
- Outer jacket: Fibre optic cables have a thick plastic casing made of polyethylene. Commonly used as an insulation material, this plastic is hard and abrasion-resistant, yet flexible.
- Strength member: These enhance the cable’s tensile strength during installation and are typically made of steel, fibreglass or aramid yarn.
- Coating: Made of acrylate or polyimide, this offers further protection from mechanical and environmental stresses during use.
- Cladding: Made of glass with a lower refractive index, this causes the light to be confined to the core of the fibre by a process of internal reflection.
- Core: This is the centre of the cable and is the pathway for light to pass through. It is a cylinder of glass or plastic with a higher refractive index than the cladding.
Image: Fibre Optic Cable Diagram.jpeg
Image alt text: A diagram showing the structure of an optical fibre.
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These cables are typically buried between 12 and 24 inches underground — even deeper in some areas. This protects them from any landscaping or construction-related damage.
At the other end of the network are receivers that capture and decode the pulses, converting them into electrical signals that deliver internet connectivity.
How long does fibre optic cable last for?
With proper installation, fibre optic cables have a service life of around 25 years, but in practice, can perform for far longer.
A process called ‘stress corrosion’ is the biggest threat to the longevity of fibre cabling. Even with the most skillful and diligent installation, commercially-produced fibre optic cables often contain small, unavoidable micro-cracks — tension, water and temperature changes can cause these to increase in size. Eventually, this can degrade network performance, potentially resulting in failure or breakage.
What influences the lifespan of fibre optic technology?
Installation
Stress is the major enemy of fibre cables. Stretching of cables, misaligned fusions or accidental cuts can all promote faster-than-normal degradation. Careful installation is absolutely essential for mitigating this.
‘Bend loss’ — the loss of light due to a fibre bending — can also occur as a result of poor installation. Often, if joint types and cables are not well matched, fibres can move due, leading to stress.
Maintenance and management
Regular maintenance dramatically extends the operational lifespan of a fibre network. Routine inspections with a fiberscope can help to flag up any issues, such as debris buildup, before they cause a problem.
With traditional copper networks, a technology upgrade can necessitate the replacement of the entire network. However, with fibre optics, the distribution network remains the same — changes only typically affect active equipment. Again, proactive maintenance and upgrades guarantee long-term performance.
Network overbuild
As full fibre technology rolls out across the UK, ‘network overbuild’ (or duplication) has become increasingly common. This where multiple operators deploy infrastructure at the same location, producing more cabling than is required.
Not only is an overbuilt network inferior for performance, but because it can require work by multiple maintenance teams, it is far more expensive for building managers. This increases the likelihood of cabling and technology not receiving the appropriate level of servicing and maintenance.
Overbuild is also a waste of raw materials and can require carbon-intensive trips by multiple maintenance teams — bad news for your ESG ambitions.
Environmental factors
Despite their durable design, micro-cracks in fibre-optic cabling can be vulnerable to extreme temperatures, water ingress, humidity and applied stress. Over time, this can result in fibre degradation.
Construction and digging also raises the prospect of a cable being severed. Animals or seismic events can also understandably pose a threat.
Can fibre optic cables be recycled?
Fortunately, there are specialist recycling companies that make use of ‘spent’ fibre optic cable. The components can be separated, cleaned and reused, often in the creation of other items, like plastic pallets.
Optinet: delivering high-performance, full-fibre solutions
We deliver innovative full-fibre connectivity solutions for serviced offices, retail parks, department stores, co-working spaces and all other types of commercial properties across the UK.
Founded in 2016, we’re proud to have delivered scalable, future-proofed fill-fibre for some of the country’s most esteemed locations and organisations. Browse our case studies to see how we might be able to help.
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To start enjoying full fibre to its fullest, contact our expert team today.