Figure-8 Self-Supporting Fiber Optic Cable — GYTC8S / GYTC8A / GYXTC8S
The Figure-8 self-supporting fiber optic cable is one of the most commonly used outdoor cables for aerial installation, especially in telecommunication and CCTV projects.
With its integrated messenger wire and robust fiber optic core structure, this design allows for fast, cost-effective, and reliable network deployment across both urban and rural environments.
1. Structural Overview
The “Figure-8” name comes from its unique cross-section, shaped like the number “8”.
It consists of two main parts:
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Messenger section: provides mechanical support and tension strength during aerial installation.
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Optical cable section: contains the optical fibers for signal transmission.
Depending on the project requirements, the messenger wire and the optical unit can vary in structure and materials.
2. Messenger Wire Options
The messenger wire is a key component that determines the mechanical performance and span capability of the cable.
Ebocom offers different configurations:
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Single steel wire messenger: simple and lightweight, suitable for short-span installations (under 80–100m).
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Steel strand messenger: made of 7 galvanized steel wires, available in common sizes such as 7×0.3mm, 7×1.0mm, etc. This type provides stronger tensile strength and is ideal for long-span aerial routes or areas prone to wind load.
The messenger and optical unit are bonded together during extrusion, ensuring stability and precise alignment.
3. Optical Cable Core Structures
Ebocom manufactures two main structural types of Figure-8 fiber optic cables to meet different installation needs:
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GYXTC8S – Central Loose Tube Type:
The optical fibers are housed in a single central loose tube filled with waterproof gel.
Available in armored and non-armored versions.-
Armored (GYXTC8S): includes a corrugated steel tape layer for extra protection against crushing and rodent attacks.
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Non-armored (GYXTC8A): lighter weight and more flexible for regular aerial spans.
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GYTC8S – Layer-Stranded Structure:
Multiple loose tubes are stranded around a central strength member, allowing for higher fiber counts (up to 144 cores) and better mechanical balance.
This structure is commonly used for backbone networks and long-distance installations.
4. Application Scenarios
Figure-8 cables are widely used in:
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Aerial installation along utility poles for telecommunication backbones
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FTTH and FTTB access networks
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Rural broadband and surveillance systems
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CCTV monitoring projects in highways, railways, and industrial zones
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Last-mile fiber delivery for residential and enterprise networks
Their self-supporting design eliminates the need for additional suspension wires, making installation faster and more economical.
5. Key Advantages
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Integrated messenger for easy aerial deployment
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Customizable messenger wire (single or stranded steel)
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Optional armored or non-armored versions
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Excellent tensile strength and environmental resistance
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Suitable for medium to long-span applications
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Compatible with both single-mode (G.652D / G.657A1) and multimode (OM2/OM3/OM4) fibers
6. Ebocom’s Manufacturing Strength
As a professional fiber optic cable manufacturer, Ebocom has over 12 years of experience in producing self-supporting and outdoor optical cables.
We provide:
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Precision extrusion and stranding lines ensuring messenger and cable alignment
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ISO-certified quality management system
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Full OEM/ODM support (fiber count, sheath color, messenger size, packaging)
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Fast delivery and international logistics
Our Figure-8 series — GYTC8S, GYTC8A, and GYXTC8S — are exported to multiple Southeast Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries for telecom and security projects.