What a duplex armoured tactical cable is
The duplex armoured tactical cable carries two optical fibres so that a link can send and receive at the same time. A metal armour layer inside the jacket protects the fibres from crushing, pulling and cutting. The cable is built for all-weather use in rain, heat, cold and dust, and for rough handling in field deployments.
Because the link uses light, it is immune to electromagnetic interference and carries no electrical current between sites. A fibre also does not radiate a signal that can be picked up remotely, so tapping it needs physical access to the cable.
Connector options
Each end can be terminated in a different connector to suit the equipment:
| Connector | Coupling | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| LC | Small push-latch, 1.25 mm ferrule | Switches, SFP transceivers, dense panels |
| SC | Square push-pull, 2.5 mm ferrule | Patch panels, telecom equipment |
| FC | Threaded screw coupling, 2.5 mm ferrule | Test equipment, vibration-prone sites |
| ST | Bayonet twist-lock, 2.5 mm ferrule | Older multimode and industrial equipment |
The fibre connector types guide covers these in more detail.
Where it is used
The cable suits temporary and semi-permanent links in military and tactical zones, outdoor sites and industrial areas where a standard patch cord would be damaged. For a wider view of armoured constructions, see armoured fibre optic cables.
What to specify in your quote
- Fibre type: single-mode or multimode, and the OM grade for multimode.
- Connector at each end (LC, FC, SC or ST) and polish type.
- Length, and whether the cable should be supplied on a reel.
- Jacket colour and any marking or labelling.
- The conditions it will face: burial, exposure to sunlight, vehicle traffic, repeated deployment.
Send the details through the request a quote form, and ask for the insertion loss values you need for your loss budget.
Questions buyers ask
What does duplex mean in a fibre cable?
Duplex means the cable carries two fibres, so equipment can send on one and receive on the other at the same time. Most network transceivers use a duplex pair.
What is the difference between LC, FC, SC and ST connectors?
LC is a small latching connector used on most modern network equipment. SC is a larger push-pull connector, FC screws on for a secure fit, and ST uses a bayonet twist-lock. Choose the one that matches the ports on your equipment.
Can this cable be used outdoors?
Yes. It is designed for all-weather use in rain, heat, cold and dust, and for rough handling. Tell us if the cable will be buried, exposed to sunlight for long periods or crossed by vehicles so the construction can be matched.
Is a fibre link secure for military use?
Fibre does not radiate a signal and is immune to electromagnetic interference, so it cannot be read remotely like a radio or copper link. Tapping it requires physical access, and the armour adds protection against damage.