Local area network: optical cable systems

The local area network represents a formidable challenge to optical communications and its associated technologies. It offers the greatest potential for growth in the telecommunications market and requires a response to future trends in optical cable systems. The authors discuss the cable system requirements of a fibre rich network based on singlemode fibre in ribbon form with particular emphasis on achieving high fibre packing density and economically viable solutions for cable design, manufacture, and the fibre management systems associated with installation and maintenance