In today’s high tech world, with a strong dependence on robust and reliable telecommunications infrastructure, new technologies have emerged to support easy and efficient growth now and into the future. One of these advances in technology is OPGW, the cable that serves dual functions in the one cable.

            Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) is a composite wire which serves as an overhead transmission ground wire, with the added benefit of providing data transmission capability (Voice, Data, Video, and Internet) through optical fibers. OPGW has optical fibre core inside a tube of stainless steel and surrounded by several aluminum strands; these outer aluminum strands serve as the earth wire for the overhead transmission line. The OPGW cable is designed to be installed at the top of the overhead transmission support structure. The number, size and material of strands depend on the mechanical and electrical requirement.

Features

            - The outer steel/aluminum strands make OPGW stronger than traditional optical fiber.

            - OPGW is installed at the top of the overhead transmission structure which helps the cable avoid damage from people or animals.

            - OPGW can be run direct from station to station which reduces the distance resulting reduced loss factors compared to traditional optical fiber which runs parallel with the road.

            - Cost of installation is less than the underground cable.

            - The weight of OPGW cable compared to ground cable generally used in overhead transmission is only slightly higher. This allows new installations or replacement of existing cables without concern for physical load, with the benefit of a single cable for both electrical grounding and data communication.

            The OPGW cable is well suited to the needs of Multimedia and Broadband providers who require high efficiency data transmission to serve the growing demand of telecommunications, now and into the future.