Which type of cable is ideal for outside plant applications inside innerduct or conduit?

Loose tube gel-filled cable is the ideal choice for outside plant applications inside innerduct or conduit due to its design characteristics that make it suitable for harsh environments. This type of cable typically houses multiple optical fibers within loose tubes that are filled with a gel substance. This gel serves multiple purposes: it protects the fibers from moisture and environmental factors, enhances the cable's durability, and helps reduce the risk of damage due to temperature fluctuations and physical stress.

The loose tube configuration allows for flexibility and expansion, accommodating fiber movement without putting stress on the fibers themselves. Moreover, the gel-filled design provides an additional moisture barrier, which is crucial for outdoor installations where exposure to water and humidity is a concern.

While other cable types such as patch cords, breakout cables, and distribution cables have their own specific uses, they are not as well-suited for outdoor conditions and do not offer the same level of protection and durability as loose tube gel-filled cables. Patch cords are typically used for indoor applications; breakout cables, while effective in certain environments, are generally more rigid and less flexible; and distribution cables, which can also be used outdoors, often do not provide the same level of moisture resistance as loose tube gel-filled options.