Such cables must offer excellent attenuation performance over a wide range of temperatures while providing protection from water ingress, solar radiation (ultraviolet protection) and the effects of lightning or gnawing rodents. Before choosing a fiber optic cable, it's essential to define what “harsh” means in your context. Harsh environments can include: Each of these factors plays a role in determining the type of jacket material, armor, buffering, and fiber type your cable needs. Cable Construction Type There are. Environment: The possibility of chemical exposure. Best for the direct burial or duct applications. Central Tube Armored Waterproof Cable: Small-sized, waterproof. AFL's portfolio of Fiber Optic cables suitable for deployment in the Harshest of environmental conditions extends from highly-flexible, cut-resistant Deployable cables to Double-Jacket Double-Armor Loose-Tube outside plant cables. Whether you're linking buildings, running broadband in rural areas, or building 5G infrastructure, the right cable matters. It affects performance, maintenance, cost, and reliability.