Supports the mass installation of optical fibers
The processing speed of servers and network switches are replaced every few years as the product is released according to Moore's Law in data centers. On the other hand, for the optical fiber cables used for infrastructure, mass single-mode optical fibers that can withstand the next-generation optical transmission technology are installed for long use. Optical fiber cables are the key component that determines communication performance, and it is desirable to have the smallest diameter, lightest weight, and highest density as possible. e-Ribbon® technology provided by SWCC, which is a rollable ribbon used for ultra-small diameter and high-density optical fiber cables, is now attracting attention because it can pack a large number of optical fibers and improve the workability during the installation. Let's take a look at its features and advantages. 

Due to the increasing demand for the Internet, the amount of data flowing into data centers has been increasing. Huge networks with thousands of servers running like hyper-scale data centers are playing an essential role in handling enormous volumes of data. With their high processing power and huge storage capacity, hyper-scale data centers are the critical elements of the communication infrastructure.

Meanwhile, data center operators are always under pressure to reduce capital investment and operational costs. They have to confront the challenge of installing more fibers in a limited space with a fast and efficient method. Furthermore, they cannot ignore the rising cost of construction labor in advanced countries. In such a situation, ultra-small diameter and high-density optical fiber cables, which enable massive fiber packing and efficient installation, come into play.

Satisfies two demands
As the physical layer of the data center evolves, the number of optical fibers increases, and the complexity of connecting massive fiber will increase. For this reason, optical fiber ribbons, in which several individual optical fibers are aligned and bundled together and coated in a batch, have been used for a long time. This improves the workability, but it was constrained to bend the ribbon in a flat direction. Also, there was some problem that the cable outer diameter became larger on packing a large number in the cable.

On the other hand, it is possible to pack a large number of individual single fibers in a small space inside the cable, but it is very tough to connect each optical fiber smoothly and efficiently. In order to solve this problem, we have applied our optical engineering design technology to develop a rollable ribbon "e-Ribbon®", in which a number of fibers are precisely connected intermittently in the longitudes direction. It can easily be deformed like an individual single optical fiber. e-Ribbon® technology reduces fiber strain even when they are packed massive in tight space.　e-Ribbon® technology also enables the connection of mass fusion splicing. e-Ribbon® technology satisfies two needs at the same time: reducing cable diameter and improving installation efficiency.

Many advantages in e-Ribbon® technology
The smaller cable diameter and efficient installation directly affect the cost to install optical fiber cables. When installing a large number of optical fiber cables in a narrow space such as an existing conduit, a new additional conduit may be required. Although with a cable with a small diameter, it becomes unnecessary. Furthermore, due to its small diameter, it is possible to wind a longer length per single reel. For instance, installing a 12km section with optical fiber cable, e-Ribbon® cable *1 requires less than half the number of connecting points compared to the conventional cables, since each reel can wind twice as long. In addition, e-Ribbon® cables can connect mass fiber at once, which speeds up the work and enables to perform the installation in the fastest and most efficient way.

Moreover, the number of reels loaded on a truck can be reduced, which has advantages in terms of transportation costs. If the number of trucks can be reduced, it is also very effective in reducing CO2 emissions while transportation.

*1. "e-Ribbon® Slot-less Cable"

SWCC's advanced mass production technology
SWCC has been developing various optical fiber cables for telecommunication carriers for many years, and have been providing ultra-small diameter and high-density optical cables which uses rollable ribbon since 2012. This product is said to be the final design of the optical cable, and Japanese manufacturers, including SWCC, now have a large presence in the world. Among the other Japanese manufacturers, SWCC has built experiences through delivering the product to customers and has improved the know-how in the productivity of rollable ribbons. Using this advantage, SWCC has contributed to telecommunications infrastructure development.

One of the unique features of SWCC that has enabled us to improve productivity is that we design all of our production facilities in-house. We have designed all the important parts from scratch based on our experience in engineering, and our original machine has enabled us to produce the product with almost no loss even at high speed.

Promoting e-Ribbon® technology in new normal life
Working remotely has become common in business due to Covid-19, games, video streaming, online shopping, and food delivery service have become our everyday life. There is a dramatic change in how we work and how we live. These social changes will continue to progress rapidly, and the connection speed and the smoothness of the Internet and Web access will become increasingly essential, and large amounts of data will be gathered to data centers. In large scale data centers, the focus will be on increasing the number of optical fibers for a while. Ultra-small diameter and high-density optical fiber cables will play an essential role for the time being.

Based on our experience in Japan with e-Ribbon® cables, we will contribute to the expanding data center market in need of high capacity installation of optical fibers with our ultra-small diameter, lightweight, high-density "e-Ribbon® Slot-less Cable" and "e-Ribbon® Loose Tube Cable", which correspond with customer demands. We will also add 200㎛ optical fiber to our lineup, which has a smaller outer diameter than the general 250㎛ optical fiber. We would promote this easily deformable but are precisely connected optical fibers, the unique technology of rollable ribbon "e-Ribbon®" to the world.

A word from the developer

Big data analysis by Artificial Intelligence", "Connecting everything through IoT", "Realization of the Metaverse" These situations above are becoming a reality all over the world. Improving efficiency in the physical layer of the data center is essential, and the trend toward ultra-small diameter is attracting worldwide attention. We are confident that our e-Ribbon® technology will demonstrate strength in the global ultra-small diameter and high-density optical cable market, as a unique technology originated in Japan.

SWCC Corporation
Chief Engineer
Kengo Tanabe