New Tech Shields Fiber Optics From Rodent Damage

The stable operation of communication infrastructure is fundamental to modern society. Fiber optic communication, as the primary method of information transmission, directly impacts service quality in crucial sectors like internet and telecommunications. However, fiber optic cables face numerous threats from natural environments and wildlife during deployment and use, with rodent damage posing a particularly significant challenge.

As the backbone of modern communication networks, fiber optic cables carry vast amounts of data. When rodents damage these cables, the consequences can be severe:

• Communication Disruptions: Rodent gnawing can directly cause fiber breaks or performance degradation, leading to service outages that affect both individual and business users.
• Data Loss: In critical facilities like data centers, cable damage may result in transmission errors or interruptions, potentially causing significant operational impacts.
• Economic Costs: Cable repairs and replacements are expensive, particularly in challenging terrains or special environments where maintenance is more difficult.
• Security Risks: In sensitive sectors like military communications or power systems, cable damage could compromise national security and social stability.

The industry has developed various protection methods that primarily focus on physical barriers and chemical repellents to prevent rodent access and damage. These technologies can be categorized as follows:

This approach uses metal materials that exceed rodents' chewing capabilities, creating an outer protective layer. Metal armor represents the most widely used and effective rodent protection technology available today.

This method employs longitudinally wrapped corrugated steel tape, typically coated with copolymer for enhanced corrosion resistance. The corrugated structure improves flexibility while maintaining 100% rodent protection. Even if rodents damage the outer sheath, the steel tape prevents further penetration.

Using spiral-wrapped galvanized steel tape with overlapping layers ensures continuous protection. This configuration offers greater mechanical strength than corrugated tape, making it suitable for demanding environments, though with reduced flexibility.

Composed of multiple galvanized steel wires, this armor provides exceptional tensile strength and impact resistance for extreme conditions like direct burial or underwater installation. However, it's less flexible and heavier than tape alternatives.

For applications requiring electromagnetic neutrality or reduced weight, non-metallic materials like Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GRP) or Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) offer effective alternatives:

Combining glass fibers with resin, GRP provides strength and stiffness without conductivity or corrosion, making it ideal for power systems and communication rooms.

Using advanced fibers like carbon or aramid, FRP delivers superior strength-to-weight ratios for aerospace or mobile communications, with excellent corrosion resistance for marine environments.

A thin (0.5-0.8mm) polyamide outer sheath enhances abrasion and corrosion resistance while providing moderate rodent protection. This solution maintains cable flexibility and offers additional termite protection.

Wrapping glass fiber yarn around cable cores creates a physical barrier. When rodents attempt to chew, the broken fibers irritate their mouths, discouraging further damage. This method works well against small rodents but has limitations with larger species.

Incorporating rodent-irritating compounds like capsaicin or bitterants into cable sheaths provides a deterrent effect. While cost-effective, environmental factors and diminishing effectiveness over time make this best suited as a supplementary measure.

Choosing appropriate rodent protection requires evaluating multiple factors:

• Direct Burial: High-risk applications demand robust metal armor like corrugated steel tape, possibly supplemented with rodent barriers or repellents.
• Conduit Installation: While conduits offer some protection, polyamide sheaths or glass fiber yarn provide additional security against potential rodent intrusion.
• Aerial Installation: Lower-risk environments may use basic protection like glass fiber yarn, though bird deterrents become necessary.

Emerging technologies promise to enhance cable protection:

• Advanced Materials: Development of stronger, lighter, and more durable protective materials.
• Smart Monitoring: IoT-enabled systems that detect rodent activity and activate deterrents.
• Eco-Friendly Solutions: Biodegradable repellents and non-toxic deterrent methods.
• Multifunctional Integration: Combining rodent protection with other features like fire resistance or lightning protection.

Effective rodent protection is essential for maintaining reliable communication networks. By implementing appropriate technologies, network operators can significantly reduce outage risks, extend cable lifespan, and minimize maintenance costs. As innovation continues, future solutions will deliver even greater performance through smarter, more sustainable approaches.