Fiber cable installation differences on Underground VS Aerial

Speaking of optical fiber deployment, the options between overhead Aerial and underground installation shapes network reliability, cost, and longevity. 

As a leading provider of fiber optic solutions, FiberWill understands the critical factors influencing this decision. And the main differences of 2 options are mainly:

Cost & Set Up, Durability, Maintenance, and significant challenges such as environment:

1. Cost & Set up:

   Overhead/Aerial installation is faster, they can utilize existing pole lines, and has significantly lower installation costs; While underground fiber installation involves excavation, backfilling, and high-grade sheathing materials, resulting in higher initial investment.

   Overhead cables are suspended via poles/towers (suspended wire or self-supporting) without excavation; While underground cables require trenching and are equipped with steel tape/wire armor to prevent compression and corrosion.

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2. Durability:

   Underground fiber optic cables: Generally designed for a lifespan of over 30 years, they are less affected by ultraviolet radiation, wind and ice loads, and human-caused damage, exhibiting high environmental stability.

   Aerial fiber optic cables: Designed for a lifespan of mostly 20-25 years (standard type), they are exposed to sunlight, rain, typhoons, ice, and mechanical vibrations for extended periods, resulting in a relatively higher failure rate. Special reinforced types (such as OPGW) can reach 25-30 years, but are not commonly used in civilian applications.
   

3. Maintenance:

   Overhead faults are easily visible and quick to repair; underground faults are difficult to locate, require professional detection and excavation, and have long repair cycles and high costs.
   

4. Significant challenges:

   Elevated structures are exposed to the air and are susceptible to damage from typhoons, storms, ultraviolet radiation, and external forces, resulting in a higher failure rate.

   Underground structures are protected by soil and are more resistant to weather disturbances, but they still need to cope with the risks of moisture, settlement, and termites/corrosion.

   Rural areas, particularly those in regions prone to extreme weather conditions like storms, snow, or flooding, can present additional challenges for fiber optic deployment .

   And Aerial fiber cable are susceptible to environmental harm. Severe weather, including storms and strong winds, can lead to service outages and total system breakdowns .

Recommended cases:

When we come to complex mountainous terrain, or when its comes out to be emergency communication, temporary lines, or for rural/dedicated network scenarios with limited budget, we recommend Aerial fiber installation;

While for urban backbone networks, long-distances trunk lines, areas with extreme high stability requirements, and areas with frequent ground activity where visual pollution, we recommend underground fiber installation.