Quick Summary (TL;DR for Sourcing Engineers)
Chinese optical fiber cable names follow the national GB/T 7424 coding convention: GY stands for outdoor communication cable, GJ for indoor cable, A for aluminum tape armor, S for steel tape armor, and ADSS for all-dielectric self-supporting cable. This technical guide decodes these structural model numbers into standard global procurement terms-such as Duct, Direct Burial, Aerial, and FTTH Drop Cables-helping international ISPs and telecom operators specify the exact construction for their ODN networks.
Introduction
When sourcing optical communication hardware globally, telecom operators, ISPs, and engineering contractors frequently encounter a key sourcing barrier: the terminology mismatch between Chinese manufacturing structural codes (such as GYTA, GYTS, GYXTW, or GJXH) and international procurement language (such as Aerial, Armored, Direct Burial, or FTTH Drop Cables).
Chinese fiber cable model numbers strictly reflect structural manufacturing standards (e.g., core count, metallic armor, jacket material, and strand design). International buyers, however, search based on installation environment, mechanical stress factors, and network hierarchy.
In this technical guide, the engineering team at Spring Optical decodes major Chinese optical cable models into global market terminology, breaks down physical cable constructions, and provides an actionable selection guide for FTTH, FTTx, and outdoor backbone deployments.
How to Read Chinese Fiber Optic Cable Model Codes (The Decoding Rule)
Before selecting specific models, understanding the core nomenclature formula allows you to immediately decipher any technical spec sheet from Chinese suppliers:
·Cable Application Category: GY = Outdoor Communication Cable | GJ = Indoor Communication Cable
·Structure Type: T = Jelly-Filled Water-Blocking Loose Tube | X = Central Loose Tube | F = Non-Metallic (GRP/FRP) Strength Member
·Armor & Sheath Material: A = Aluminum-Polyethylene Laminate (APL) Armor | S = Corrugated Steel Tape (PSP) Armor | Y = Polyethylene (PE) Outer Sheath
·Double Armor / Double Jacket Variant: 53 = Corrugated Steel Tape Armor + PE Outer Sheath over an Inner APL Sheath (Double Jacket, Double Armor)
Quick Reference: Chinese Model Numbers vs. Global Procurement Terms
To streamline your procurement workflow, this summary table translates common Chinese fiber optic cable model codes into standard international terms and primary deployment scenarios:
| Chinese Model Code | International Market Term | Outer Cable Structure & Armoring | Primary Deployment Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADSS | All-Dielectric Self-Supporting Cable | Non-metallic aramid/GRP strength members, HDPE/AT sheath | High-voltage utility poles, long-span (100m–500m+) aerial backbones |
| ASU | Mini ADSS / Compact Aerial Cable | Non-metallic FRP rods, central tube, lightweight PE jacket | Suburban/rural FTTH aerial distribution (2–24 cores, LATAM spans 80m–120m) |
| GYXTW | Central Loose Tube Armored Cable | Single loose tube, corrugated steel tape (PSP), steel wire strength | Outdoor duct networks, short-span aerial, pipe pulling (2–12 cores) |
| GYXTC8Y | Figure-8 Self-Supporting Aerial Cable | Central loose tube, steel strand messenger wire, PE jacket | Fast-deploy pole-line networks, subscriber aerial drops |
| GYTA | Stranded Loose Tube Aluminum Cable | Multi-loose tube, aluminum-polyethylene laminate (APL) armor | Long-haul backbone networks, city duct systems (12–288 cores) |
| GYTA53 | Double-Armored Direct Burial Cable | Inner APL armor + outer corrugated steel tape (PSP) armor | Direct burial trenches, high-crush & rodent-prone areas |
| GYTS | Steel Tape Armored Loose Tube Cable | Multi-loose tube, corrugated steel tape (PSP) armor | Heavy-duty underground duct & shallow direct burial (12–288 cores) |
| GYFTY | All-Dielectric Duct Fiber Cable | Stranded loose tube, central GRP strength member, non-metallic | High-voltage corridors, EMI-sensitive & lightning-prone zones |
| GJXH | Indoor Flat FTTH Drop Cable | Butterfly flat drop design, FRP or steel wire strength members | Indoor subscriber wall routing, ATB terminal connections (1–4 cores) |
| GJYXCH | Self-Supporting Aerial Flat Drop Cable | Flat drop structure + external 1.0mm steel messenger wire | Outdoor pole-to-house aerial subscriber connections |
| GJYXFCH | Dielectric Outdoor Aerial Drop Cable | All-dielectric flat drop structure + FRP messenger wire | Lightning-safe outdoor FTTH drops, power utility poles |
Which Aerial Fiber Cable Should You Choose? ADSS, ASU, or Figure-8?
ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting Cable)
·Construction Features: Eliminates all metallic components by utilizing Aramid yarn (Kevlar) or FRP rods as primary tensile strength elements, encased in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or Anti-Tracking (AT) outer sheaths for high-voltage environments (>110kV).
·Engineering Advantage: Installed directly on high-voltage power transmission lines without causing electrical grounding or suffering electromagnetic interference (EMI).
ASU Cable (Mini ADSS)
·Construction Features: Features a compact central loose tube flanked by two parallel FRP strength rods embedded within a thick PE jacket. Available in 2 to 24 cores using single-mode G.652.D fiber.
·Engineering Advantage: Delivers an ultra-lightweight footprint optimized for high-wind, small-span (80m–120m) aerial FTTH networks across suburban and rural regions.
Figure-8 Cable (GYXTC8Y)
·Construction Features: Combines a central optical loose tube and a heavy-duty steel strand messenger wire within a unified "Figure-8" cross-sectional jacket.
·Engineering Advantage: Drastically lowers field labor costs by eliminating the need to lash optical cables onto separate strand wires during aerial deployment.
Armored vs. Direct Burial Fiber Cables: GYTS, GYTA, or GYTA53?
For underground ODN infrastructure, choosing the right armoring prevents fiber micro-bending caused by heavy soil pressure, moisture ingress, and rodent bites.
GYTS Steel Tape Armored Loose Tube Cable vs. GYTA Aluminum Tape Cable
·GYTS (Steel Tape): Incorporates longitudinal corrugated steel tape (PSP) armor. Provides high crush resistance (≥1000 N/100mm) and superior mechanical protection for underground duct and shallow trench installations.
·GYTA (Aluminum Tape): Uses aluminum-polyethylene laminate (APL) armor. Provides excellent moisture-proofing and flexibility with lighter weight, making it ideal for long-distance duct pulling.
Heavy-Duty Direct Burial Cable (GYTA53)
·Construction Features: Engineered with a double-jacket, double-armor structure (inner APL aluminum tape + outer PSP corrugated steel tape armor encased in dual PE sheaths).
·Engineering Advantage: Withstands direct soil pressure, rock abrasion, and sharp burrowing rodents without requiring protective conduits or concrete ducting.
Dielectric Duct Cable (GYFTY)
·Construction Features: Completely metal-free structure utilizing a solid center FRP rod and stranded loose tubes wrapped in water-blocking yarns.
·Engineering Advantage: Essential for installation in flooded conduits or high-voltage power station perimeters where metallic armor would trigger dangerous electrical grounding arcs.
FTTH Last-Mile Drop Cables: Indoor GJXH vs. Outdoor GJYXCH
Last-mile subscriber connections require flexible, crush-resistant, and flame-retardant cable constructions.
Indoor Flat Drop Cable (GJXH)
·Structure: 1, 2, or 4 fibers (G.657.A1/A2 bend-insensitive fiber) positioned between two parallel steel wires or FRP rods with a Low-Smoke Zero-Halogen (LSZH) flame-retardant outer jacket.
·Application: Easily stripped and routed inside indoor Access Terminal Boxes (ATB) or subscriber wall plates.
Outdoor Self-Supporting Aerial Drop Cable (GJYXCH / GJYXFCH)
·Structure: Adds an external 1.0mm steel wire (GJYXCH) or FRP rod (GJYXFCH) messenger strand to the standard flat drop profile.
·Application: Suspended between utility poles and building facades using drive hooks and wedge clamps, resisting severe aerial wind loads.
Field Selection Guide: 4 Steps to Specifying the Right Optical Cable
When submitting engineering specifications to a manufacturing partner like Spring Optical, evaluate the following four parameters:
1. Installation Environment: Determine whether the route is aerial (span length required), underground duct (pulling tension required), direct burial (crush rating required), or indoor riser/plenum.
2. Environmental & Electrical Hazards: Specify if the cable passes near high-voltage lines (requiring all-dielectric ADSS/GYFTY) or high-risk rodent zones (requiring steel tape GYTS/GYTA53).
3. Core Count & Expansion Requirements: Match fiber counts-ranging from 1–4 cores for subscriber FTTH drops to 12–288 cores for stranded loose-tube backbones (GYTA/GYTS).
4. Flame Retardancy Standards: Outdoor cables generally use UV-resistant HDPE or MDPE; cables transitioning indoors require LSZH, OFNR, or OFNP rated jackets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary difference between GYTA and GYTS cables?
Both are stranded loose tube cables, but GYTA uses an aluminum tape (APL) armor for moisture barrier and lightweight flexibility in ducts, whereas GYTS uses corrugated steel tape (PSP) armor, offering significantly higher crush resistance (≥1000 N/100mm) against soil pressure and physical impact.
Why use ADSS instead of Figure-8 aerial cable near power lines?
ADSS is completely non-metallic (all-dielectric), preventing electrical conductivity, lightning strikes, and high-voltage induction arcs. Figure-8 cables contain a steel messenger wire that conducts electricity, making them unsuitable for power pole co-location.
Can indoor flat drop cable (GJXH) be used for outdoor aerial spans?
No. Standard indoor GJXH cable lacks UV stabilization and an external messenger wire to support wind and ice loads. For aerial spans between poles and subscriber homes, use self-supporting Pre-Connectorized Drop Cables or GJYXCH cables with an integrated messenger wire.
What optical fibers are used in Spring Optical cable assemblies?
Spring Optical manufactures outdoor and FTTH drop cables using premium single-mode G.652.D fibers for backbone routes, and bend-insensitive G.657.A1/A2 fibers for FTTH drop cables to ensure minimal attenuation around tight corner bends.
Partner with Spring Optical for Custom Fiber Cable Manufacturing
Selecting the exact optical cable construction guarantees long-term network reliability while optimizing procurement budgets.
Spring Optical (Shenzhen Spring Optical Communication Co., Ltd.) provides a comprehensive catalog of outdoor armored cables, ADSS aerial cables, Pre-connectorized Drop Cables, and specialized FTTH drop assemblies tailored for global ISPs, telecom operators, and network distributors.
Why Partner with Spring Optical?
·Full Model Standardization: Fully customized production matching both Chinese structural standards (GYTA, GYTS, ADSS, GJXH) and international performance specifications.
·Strict Quality Assurance: Every cable reel undergoes 100% factory inspection for attenuation loss, tensile load tolerance, crush resistance, and 3D geometry.
·Factory-Direct OEM/ODM Services: Customized outer jacket printing, meter-marking, drum packaging, pre-connectorized field kits, and rapid lead times.
Need technical data sheets, customized cable samples, or factory-direct pricing?
Explore our full portfolio of Outdoor Fiber Optic Cables & FTTH Cables or Contact the Spring Optical Engineering Team today for instant quotes and technical support!
