How to Choose the Right Fibre Count (2F to 144F)
Fibre count is the number of individual fibres inside a cable. It decides how many links, customers or rings one cable can serve, and it is the biggest single factor in the price per reel. This guide explains how fibre counts are built and how to choose one that suits your network today and in a few years' time.
How fibres are arranged
In our loose-tube cables, fibres sit in gel-filled PBT tubes, normally up to 12 fibres per tube, colour-coded to ANSI/TIA-598 (blue, orange, green, brown, slate, white, red, black, yellow, violet, rose, aqua). Tubes are stranded around a central strength member; unused positions are filled with PE fillers.
For example, our Fig-8 datasheet lists 12F with 1 tube, 24F with 2 tubes, 48F with 4 tubes and 72F with 6 tubes. On the store, 48F is offered as 48F (6 tubes), and Duct also as 48F (8 tubes), so pick the tube layout that matches your splice closures and colour plan.
Which fibre count for which job?
| Fibre count | Typical use | Cable types in store |
|---|---|---|
| 1F – 2F | Single FTTH subscriber drop | Round Drop, Flat Drop, G.657 Drop |
| 4F – 12F | Small buildings, CCTV, short links, drops to a cluster of homes | Drop, CLT, Duct, Direct Buried, ADSS, Fig-8 |
| 16F – 24F | Distribution in housing societies, campuses, enterprise links | Duct, Direct Buried, ADSS, Fig-8, CLT (24F) |
| 36F – 48F | Feeder routes, splitter cabinets, multiple rings | Duct, Direct Buried, ADSS, Fig-8, Micro Duct |
| 72F – 144F | Backbone and city trunk routes | Duct, Direct Buried, Micro Duct (144F); Fig-8 and ADSS up to 96F |
Five rules for choosing
- Count today's needs. One fibre per FTTH splitter feed, two per duplex link, plus fibres for each ring or protection path.
- Add spare fibres. Spare cores make repairs and future growth much easier. Labour costs far more than the extra fibre, so going one size up is usually cheaper than pulling a second cable later.
- Match the tube layout. Check how many tubes your splice closures and trays expect, especially at 48F.
- Check the cable type offers it. Not every construction comes in every count; see the table below.
- Think about reel length. Backbone cables come on 4 km reels; plan joint positions around that.
Fibre counts available by cable
| Cable | Fibre counts | Reel |
|---|---|---|
| Duct Type | 2F – 144F (incl. 48F 6 or 8 tubes) | 4 km |
| Direct Buried | 2F – 144F | 4 km |
| Aerial Fig-8 | 2F – 96F | 4 km |
| ADSS Single Jacket | 4F – 96F | 4 km |
| ADSS Double Jacket | 8F – 48F | 4 km |
| Micro Duct | 12F – 144F | 4 km |
| Anti-Rodent DB | 2F – 72F | 4 km |
| Triple Jacket DA DB | 12F, 24F, 48F | 4 km |
| CLT Type | 2F – 24F | 1 or 2 km |
| Round / Flat Drop | 1F – 12F | 1 or 2 km |
| G.657 FTTH Drop | 1F, 2F | 1 or 2 km |
All fibre cable prices are quoted on request via WhatsApp +92 313 7776766. Not sure which cable type you need? Read Duct vs Direct Buried vs ADSS vs Fig-8.
Need help choosing?
Send us your route type, length, fibre count and (for aerial routes) pole spacing, and we will recommend a cable. For prices, message us on WhatsApp +92 313 7776766, and you can browse all optical fibre cables. Delivery is free across Pakistan in 5–7 working days.
Enquiries: WhatsApp +92 313 7776766 or email info@litech.com.pk.
