Types of butterfly optical cables

Butterfly optical cables come in indoor (GJXH) and self-supporting outdoor (GJYXFCH/GJXFH) models, designed for flexible, low-loss fiber deployment in FTTH and other high-density applications.OverviewButterfly optical cables are named for their flat, wing-shaped cross-section, with the optical fiber at the center and two parallel strength members on either side. This design provides directional flexibility, allowing easy routing along walls or through conduits while minimizing stress on the fiber core. The strength members are typically Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP), offering non-metallic protection against electromagnetic interference, with some outdoor variants including a steel wire messenger for aerial support .Indoor Butterfly Cables (GJXH)Deployment: Inside buildings, from entry point to subscriber ONT.Structure: FRP strength members, LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) sheath.Fiber Type: Bend-insensitive single-mode fiber (ITU-T G.657 standard).Fiber Counts: 1–4 cores for single-unit residential, up to 12 cores for multi-tenant buildings.Advantages: Lightweight, flexible, easy to install in tight spaces, low signal loss .Self-Supporting Outdoor Butterfly Cables (GJYXFCH/GJXFH)Deployment: Aerial drops from utility poles to buildings, or short outdoor spans.Structure: Indoor butterfly core plus a steel messenger wire, LSZH sheath, optional steel tape moisture-proof layer, and PE outer sheath for UV and environmental protection .Fiber Type: Bend-insensitive single-mode fiber (G.657.A1 or A2).Span Capability: Typically up to 50 meters without additional support.Advantages: Self-supporting, durable, moisture and UV resistant, suitable for outdoor FTTH applications .Fiber VariantsG.657.A1: Suitable for standard residential routing, tolerates 10 mm bend radius, compatible with legacy G.652.D fiber.G.657.A2: Recommended for conduit with 90-degree bends or irregular surfaces.G.657.B3: Higher bend tolerance for specialized installations .ApplicationsFTTH Networks: Indoor and outdoor drops connecting subscribers.Data Centers: High-density cabling with minimal space usage.Industrial and Medical Equipment: Reliable, low-loss connections in constrained environments.Audio-Visual Systems: High-quality signal transmission in home theaters or professional setups .Installation and ConnectivityButterfly cables can be connected using fusion splicing for permanent, low-loss connections or mechanical splicing for temporary or field connections. The flat design simplifies handling and routing in tight spaces .SummaryChoosing the right butterfly optical cable depends on deployment environment, fiber count, bend radius requirements, and whether aerial support is needed. Indoor GJXH cables are ideal for building interiors, while self-supporting GJYXFCH/GJXFH cables are suited for outdoor aerial drops. Both models leverage bend-insensitive fibers to maintain high-quality data transmission in compact, flexible formats .