Air blown fibre

Flexible and Future-Proof Fiber Optic Solutions

Air Blown Fiber (blown fiber) is a smart and scalable method for deploying fiber optic networks. Instead of installing a fixed fiber optic cable directly, a microduct system is installed first. The fiber (EPFU – Enhanced Performance Fiber Unit) is then blown into these microducts using compressed air at a later stage.

This technique originated from large-scale Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) rollouts, in which companies like Hexatronic play a key role.

Why Choose Air Blown Fiber?

The main difference compared to a traditional fiber backbone lies in the installation method. In a blown fiber solution, the ducting is installed first, and the delicate fiber is only blown in afterward.

This offers significant advantages:

• No risk of fiber damage during the rough-in/construction phase.
• Flexibly expandable network.
• Easy to blow in additional fibers later.
• EPFU is replaceable without renewing the entire infrastructure.
• Spare capacity possible in multi-duct systems.
• Minimal disruption during future expansions.

This makes Air Blown Fiber particularly suitable for commercial buildings, data centers, campus environments, and projects where future expansion is anticipated.

Applications: Indoor and Outdoor

For indoor applications, we use a halogen-free HFFR (Halogen Free Flame Retardant) version as standard. This meets fire safety requirements and is suitable for installation inside buildings.

For outdoor applications, several variants are available:

Outdoor Multiduct (PE Jacket)

• Suitable for installation in conduits or HDPE pipes.
• Equipped with a strong PE jacket.
• Moisture barrier between the jacket and tubes.
• Protects against water ingress in case of damage.

Direct Burial (HDPE)

• Suitable for direct installation in the ground.
• Reinforced HDPE design.
• Highly robust, but requires craftsmanship during installation.
• Specialized tools required for termination.

For above-ground applications (e.g., Direct Install multiDuct), solar exposure must be taken into account. Direct sunlight can accelerate the aging of the jacket and increase the temperature inside the duct, which can pose risks to the fiber.

Duct Configurations

For our projects, we typically use 5/3.5 mm tubes. This indicates an outer diameter of 5 mm and an inner diameter of 3.5 mm. This standardization is crucial for making seamless transitions from outdoor routes to indoor HFFR ducts without transitions or differences in diameter.

Available configurations:

• Single duct with reinforced jacket.
• 4-way and 7-way multiduct (most common due to ease of handling).
• Up to 24-way versions.
• Maximum outer diameter up to 32.5 mm.

The choice for 4-way or 7-way ducting is ideal for many projects due to the balance between capacity and on-site maneuverability.

A Future-Oriented Backbone Solution

Air Blown Fiber distinguishes itself through flexibility, scalability, and ease of installation. By laying the infrastructure first and adding fibers later, a network is created that grows with the demand.

At Forehand, we support installers and project partners with:

• Advice and design of duct systems.
• Supply of indoor and outdoor solutions.
• Transition solutions between outdoor and indoor installations.
• Technical support during installation.

Want to learn more about Air Blown Fiber or discuss a project? Contact our team – we are happy to help you design a future-proof fiber optic infrastructure.