No, you should not run over fiber optic cable with a vehicle or subject it to significant pressure.
Fiber optic cables are delicate. They contain thin strands of glass or plastic that transmit data via light. Crushing, bending, or otherwise damaging the cable can interrupt or completely break the transmission, resulting in data loss or network outages.
Why You Shouldn't Drive Over Fiber Optic Cable:
- Damage to the Fiber Core: The fibers inside are extremely fragile. The weight of a vehicle can easily crack or break these fibers, rendering the cable useless.
- Signal Degradation: Even if the cable isn't completely severed, the pressure can cause microbends. These bends interfere with the light signals, leading to reduced bandwidth and unreliable data transmission.
- Infrastructure Disruption: Damaged fiber optic cables can disrupt essential services, affecting businesses, homes, and even critical infrastructure like hospitals and emergency services.
- Costly Repairs: Repairing or replacing damaged fiber optic cables can be expensive, involving specialized equipment and skilled technicians.
Best Practices for Fiber Optic Cable Handling:
- Protection: Fiber optic cables should be installed in protective conduits or trays.
- Proper Installation: Ensure the correct cable length is installed to avoid excess cable.
- Avoid Shock: Do not drop or subject cable reels to shock.
- Designated Pathways: Fiber optic cables should be placed in their own dedicated ducts or trays, separate from other types of cabling.
- Traffic Control: Prevent vehicles and heavy equipment from driving over cables during installation and maintenance.
In summary, avoid driving over fiber optic cable to prevent damage and maintain network reliability. Taking precautions during installation and ensuring ongoing protection is essential.
