Summary - L.102 (11/2025) - Optical fibre cables for aerial application

Recommendation ITU-T L.102 describes the characteristics, construction and test methods of optical fibre cables for aerial application (including lashed cables), which are not used along electrical power lines.
Note that Recommendation ITU-T L.26, Ed 3.0, was redesignated as ITU-T L.102/L.26, Ed 3.0, in February 2016.
First, in order to demonstrate the sufficient performance of an optical fibre, the characteristics that a cable should possess are described. Then, the methods of examining whether the cables possess these required characteristics are described. Herein, detailed performance criteria for a cable are recommended.
Recommended technical requirements are detailed by reference to IEC 60794-3-11 on outdoor optical fibre cables for duct, directly buried and lashed aerial applications. Changes and additions to these requirements that are suitable for aerial cable application are recommended herein.
The conditions required may differ according to the installation environment. Therefore, instances where agreement on detailed conditions should be determined between the customer and the manufacturer are stated.
Recommendations for the aerial cables used along electrical power lines are currently under study.