"Loose tube cables" refer to a type of fiber optic cable design commonly used in outdoor installations, especially in harsh environments or long-distance communication like telecommunications, internet backbones, and campus networks.
Loose tube cables are a type of fiber optic cable specifically designed for outdoor environments and long-distance communication. The optical fibers are housed inside semi-rigid tubes (called buffer tubes) that are loosely surrounded by protective elements rather than tightly bound.
This loose structure allows the fibers to move freely within the tube, providing protection from mechanical stresses, temperature changes, and moisture—common challenges in outdoor settings.