Foamed material as fast access feature

Abstract

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable includes a cable jacket having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines a central bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable, and the exterior surface defines an outermost surface of the optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable also includes a cable core including at least one optical fiber disposed within the central bore of the cable jacket. The cable jacket includes at least one access feature made of a first polymeric material disposed between the interior surface and the exterior surface. The cable jacket is formed from the first polymeric material. In various embodiments, the at least one access feature is foamed.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: HI24-118PCTFOAMED MATERIAL AS FAST ACCESS FEATURECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 720,948, filed on November 15, 2024, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] The disclosure relates generally to optical fiber cables, and specifically to optical fiber cables having a cable jacket including access features embedded therein. Optical fibers are used to transmit data optically between various points in a network. Such optical fibers may be arranged in cables originating at data hubs, and the cables may include branches that drop at various locations to deliver data to nodes in the network. A variety of cable designs exist that provide such branching within a transmission network. In order to provide branches to an optical fiber cable, it is often necessary to provide access to the cable core to allow for splicing of branching units to subunits of the optical fiber cable.SUMMARY

[0003] According to an aspect, embodiments of the disclosure relate to an optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable includes a cable jacket, a cable core, and at least one access feature. The cable jacket is formed from a first polymeric material and includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines a bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable. The exterior surface defines an outermost surface of the optical fiber cable. The cable core includes at least one optical fiber disposed within the bore of the cable jacket. The at least one access feature includes the first polymeric material disposed between the interior surface and the exterior surface. The at least one access feature is foamed.

[0004] According to another aspect, embodiments of the disclosure relate to an optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable includes a cable jacket, a cable core, and an access feature. The cable jacket is formed from a first polymeric material having a first density and includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines a central bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable. The exterior surface defines an outermost surface of the optical fiber cable. The cable core includes at least one optical fiberAttorney Docket No.: HI24-118PCT disposed within the central bore of the cable jacket. The access feature includes the first polymeric material disposed between the interior surface and the exterior surface. The first polymeric material of the access feature has a second density and the second density is less than the first density.

[0005] According to another aspect, embodiments of the disclosure relate to an optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable includes a cable jacket, a cable core, and an access feature. The cable jacket is formed from a first material and includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines a bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable. The cable core includes at least one optical fiber disposed within the bore of the cable jacket. The access feature includes one or more voids disposed within the cable jacket between the interior surface and the exterior surface.

[0006] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings.

[0007] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the claims.

[0008] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and the operation of the various embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical fiber cable with a fast access feature, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber cable with a fast access feature, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 is detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical fiber cable with a fast access feature, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical fiber cable with an indicator for a fast access feature, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical fiber cable with an indicator for a fast access feature, according to another exemplary embodiment.Attorney Docket No.: HI24-118PCT

[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cable jacket with a fast access feature, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cable jacket with a fast access feature, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cable jacket with a fast access feature, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cable jacket with a fast access feature, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cable jacket of FIG. 6 opened using the fast access feature, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cable jacket with a void fast access feature, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cable jacket with voids as fast access features, according to an exemplary embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of an optical fiber cable having a cable jacket with a fast access feature are provided. The cable jacket is made of a first polymeric material and includes portions of the first polymeric material that has been foamed embedded therein. As will be generally understood, many fast access features are formed using a second or different polymeric material from the cable jacket. In such designs, the access feature of certain conventional cables tends to separate from the cable jacket, weakening or creating undesired breaks in the cable jacket, especially when exposed to impacts in extreme cold conditions. As disclosed herein, the polymeric material of the access features embedded in the cable jacket are foamed and formed from the same polymeric material as the cable jacket.

[0022] Applicant believes use of foamed access features formed from the same material as the cable jacket improves performance of the fast access feature. For example, when the fast access feature is formed from a different material than the cable jacket, there may be a mismatch between the characteristics of the access feature (e.g., melting temperature, etc.) that makes manufacturing the optical cable more difficult and less efficient. In optical cables with a melting temperature mismatch between the cable jacket material and the access feature material, the speed of extrusion may be reduced because of the need to cool to avoid transfer of temperature from the cable jacket to the cable core or fast access feature(s). Therefore,Attorney Docket No.: HI24-118PCT Applicant believes the foamed access features discussed herein allows for improved manufacturing speed due to an increased speed of extrusion. Additionally, the use of a single material for the cable jacket and the fast access feature reduces the likelihood of adhesion problems between the fast access feature and the cable jacket that may occur with different materials. As such, the likelihood of separation between the fast access feature and the cable jacket and the cable splitting open is also reduced.

[0023] Furthermore, Applicant believes foamed fast access features allow for more flexible and / or more precise positioning of fast access features within the optical cable. For complicated cable shapes (e.g., different cable geometries, see e.g., FIG. 1) or for cables that include numerous components in addition to the cable core (e.g., strength members, etc.). The foamed fast access feature can be positioned closer to the exterior surface of the cable, the strength members, etc. Exemplary embodiments of the optical fiber cable including such foamed access features embedded in the cable jacket will be described in greater detail below, and these exemplary embodiments are provided by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation.

[0024] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an optical fiber cable 10. The optical fiber cable 10 includes a cable jacket 12. In one or more embodiments, the outer surface of the cable jacket 12 is an outermost surface of the optical fiber cable 10. Disposed within the cable jacket 12 is a cable core. In embodiments depicted herein, the cable core includes a buffer tube 18 and at least one optical fiber 20. In the embodiment depicted, optical fiber 20 is in a tightly buffered configuration. In other embodiments, the cable core can include anywhere from one to several hundred or even thousands of optical fibers 20. Further, the optical fibers 20 may be in a loose tube or ribbon configuration within the buffer tubes 18. Still further, in at least some embodiments the buffer tube 18 can be omitted from the optical fiber cable 10. In such embodiments, the buffer tube 18 can be replaced by a thin film element that can surround and contain a plurality of optical fibers.

[0025] Optical fiber cable 10 includes at least one access feature, shown as a foamed access feature 14. As will be discussed in greater detail below, cable jacket 12 is formed from a first material and access feature 14 can be formed from the same first material. Access feature 14 is foamed using chemical foaming or physical foaming and therefore has a reduced density compared to cable jacket 12.

[0026] In various embodiments, cable jacket 12 may be composed of any or several of a variety of materials used in cable manufacturing, such as, but not limited to, polyethylene (e.g., low-density, medium-density, high-density, or linear low density polyethylene),Attorney Docket No.: HI24-118PCT polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poly vinylidene difluoride (PVDF), nylon, polyester or polycarbonate and their copolymers. In addition, the material of cable jacket 12 may include small quantities of other materials or fillers that provide different properties to the material of cable jacket 12. For example, the material of cable jacket 12 may include materials that provide for coloring, UV / light blocking (e.g., carbon black), burn resistance, etc. In various embodiments, buffer tubes 18 are formed from one or more polymer materials including polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), polyoxymethylene (POM), poly(ethene-co-tetrafluoroethene) (ETFE), etc.

[0027] It is to be understood that the cables and core elements discussed herein may have any number of cross-section shapes. For example, in various embodiments, cable jacket 12 and / or buffer tubes 18 may have an oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular or other cross-sectional shape. An internal passage of the cable jacket 12 or buffer tube 18 may be the same shape or different shape than the shape of cable jacket 12 or buffer tube 18. In some embodiments, cable jacket 12 and / or buffer tube 18 may define more than one channel or passage. In such embodiments, the multiple channels may be of the same size and shape as each other or may each have different sizes or shapes.

[0028] In various embodiments, optical fiber cable 10 includes one or more strength members 16. In various specific embodiments, optical fiber cable 10 includes two strength members 16 embedded in cable jacket 12 and positioned on opposing sides of the cable core and / or buffer tube 18. In various embodiments, optical fiber cable 10 includes a messenger 22, which may be a glass reinforced plastic (GRP) messenger 22. As previously noted, using foamed access features allows for more precise positioning of access feature 14. Thus, the foamed fast access features can enable the reliable use of access features 14 in cables that have complicated cable geometries (e.g., messenger cables, cables with non-circular crosssections, etc.). In various specific embodiments, optical fiber cable 10 is an outdoor drop cable.

[0029] FIG. 2 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an optical fiber cable 110. Optical fiber cable 110 is substantially similar to optical fiber cable 10 except for differences disused herein. The optical fiber cable 110 includes a cable jacket 112. The cable jacket 112 includes an outer or exterior surface 122. In various embodiments, exterior surface 122 is an outermost surface of cable jacket 112 and optical fiber cable 110.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, an access feature, shown as foamed access feature 114 is embedded in cable jacket 112. In various embodiments, optical fiber cable 110 includes at least one foamed access feature 114. In one or more embodiments, the accessAttorney Docket No.: HI24-118PCT feature 114 includes one or more voids. In one or more embodiments, the access feature 114 includes a plurality of voids. In such embodiments, the access feature 114 includes a plurality of gas bubbles. In one or more embodiments, the voids are continuous voids that extend along a length of the cable jacket 112. In one or more embodiments, the one or more voids are positioned through the length of the optical fiber cable 110. In other words, the one or more voids may be discontinuous. In one or more embodiments, the one or more voids are closed with a sealing material to avoid water penetration. In various embodiments, the foamed access feature 114 can have a closed-cell morphology, thereby avoiding water penetration along a length of the foamed access feature 114.

[0031] In a specific embodiment, optical fiber cable 110 includes a pair of access features 114. In such embodiments, the pair of access features 114 are positioned on opposing sides of the cable core and / or buffer tube 118. In various embodiments, foamed access feature is disposed between exterior surface 122 and a cable core and / or buffer tube 118. In various embodiments discussed herein, foamed access feature 114 is positioned between exterior surface 122 and an inner or interior surface of the cable jacket 112.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the positioning of the foamed access feature 114 can be controlled by using an additional extruder along with an extruder used for the extrusion of cable jacket 112. The additional extruder is used to allow the material that forms foamed access feature 14, 114 to flow into a specifically chosen position in cable jacket 12, 112.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the foamed access features 14, 114 can be formed by physical foaming or chemical foaming. During physical foaming, high pressured gas is injected into the molten polymer composition as it is being extruded to form the access features 114. In one or more embodiments, the gas used during physical foaming is an inert gas, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide, or is a hydrocarbon gas, such as butane or pentane. During chemical foaming, a foaming agent is included in the first polymeric composition that decomposes during extrusion to produce gas within the molten first polymeric composition. In either the physical foaming or the chemical foaming case, the gas is trapped within the first polymeric composition, leaving behind gas bubbles within the cable jacket 12, 112.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, a polymer composition used to form the access features 14, 114 comprises, in addition to a same polymer used to form the cable jacket 112, a chemical foaming agent and a melt strength enhancer. In one or more embodiments, the chemical foaming agent is a masterbatch containing an exothermic chemical foaming agent, and in one or more other embodiments, the chemical foaming agent is a masterbatch containing an endothermic foaming agent. In one or more embodiments, the chemicalAttorney Docket No.: HI24-118PCT foaming agent is a masterbatch of a combination of exothermic and endothermic foaming agents. Examples of exothermic foaming agents include azodi carbonamide, oxy-bis-benzenesulfonylhydrazide, toluenesulfonylhydrazide, benzenesulfonylhydrazide, toluenesulfonylsemicarbazide, 5-phenyltetrazole, dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine, hydrazocarbonamide, azobisisobutyronitrile, barium azodi carb oxy late, and combinations thereof, and examples of endothermic chemical foaming agents include citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, calcium azide, and combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the melt enhancer is active peroxide. In one or more embodiments, the melt strength enhancer is a peroxide masterbatch. Examples of suitable peroxide masterbatches used as a melt strength enhancer include but are not limited to 0.1 % to 0.5 % by weight dicumyl peroxide or di(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene masterbatches.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the first polymeric composition includes 2.5% by weight or less of the chemical foaming agent, in particular 2% by weight or less, and most particularly 1% by weight or less. In one or more embodiments, the first polymeric composition includes at least 0.5% by weight of the chemical foaming agent. In one or more embodiments, the first polymeric composition includes 0.5% by weight or less of the melt strength enhancer, in particular 0.3% by weight or less, and most particularly 0.2% by weight or less. In one or more embodiments, the first polymeric composition includes at least 0.1% by weight of the melt strength enhancer.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, cable jacket 12, 112 is formed from a first polymeric material and foamed access feature 14, 114 is also formed at least partially from the first polymeric material. By way of example, and not limitation, the foamed access feature 14, 114 can include the first polymeric material in further combination with a chemical foaming agent and a melt strength enhancer, as described above. In embodiments wherein the foamed access feature 14, 114 is physically foamed, the foamed access feature 14, 114 and the cable jacket 12, 112 can have an identical composition. Regardless of whether the foamed access feature 14, 114 is physically foamed or chemically foamed, cable jacket 12, 112 has a first density and foamed access feature 14, 114 has a second density wherein the first density is different than the second density. In various embodiments, the second density is less than the first density. In one or more embodiments, foamed access feature 14, 114 includes a second density that has a density reduction of 10% to 50%, and therefore the second density is 50% to 90%of the first density.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the access feature 14, 114 has a density reduction of no more than 30% and in particular no more than 20%, relative to the cable jacket 12, 112.Attorney Docket No.: HI24-118PCT That is, the density of the foamed access feature 14, 114 is at least 70%, in particular 80% of the unfoamed, fully dense cable jacket 12, 112. In one or more embodiments, the access feature 14, 114 has a density reduction relative to the cable jacket 12, 112 of no more than 40%, and in still one or more further embodiments, the first polymeric composition has a density reduction of no more than 50%. As will be generally understood, if the density reduction is too large, the mechanical properties of the optical fiber cable 10, 110 may be impacted. In embodiments wherein the cable jacket 12, 112 has multiple layers, a density reduction of the access feature 14, 114 is to be measured relative to a layer of the cable jacket 12, 112 in which the access feature 14, 114 is embedded. If the access feature 14, 114 is embedded among multiple layers of the cable jacket 12, 112, a density reduction of the access feature 14, 114 is to be measured relative to that layer of the cable jacket 12, 112 that has a same composition as the access feature 14, 114 (excluding a chemical foaming agent and / or melt strength enhancer included in the composition used to form the access feature 14, 114).

[0038] As previously discussed, foamed access feature 14, 114 can be more precisely positioned within optical fiber cable 10, 110. For example, foamed access feature 114 can be positioned in close proximity to exterior surface 122. A distance, DI, is defined between an outer edge 124 of the access feature 114 and the exterior surface 122 of the cable jacket 112. In one or more embodiments, the distance is less than 0.2 mm. In one or more embodiments, the distance is between 0.01 mm and 0.2 mm.

[0039] FIG. 3 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an optical fiber cable 210. Optical fiber cable 210 is substantially similar to optical fiber cables 10, 110 except for the differences disused herein. The optical fiber cable 210 includes a cable jacket 212. The cable jacket 212 includes an outer or exterior surface 222. In various embodiments, exterior surface 222 is an outermost surface of cable jacket 212 and optical fiber cable 210.

[0040] A foamed access feature 214 is disposed between exterior surface 222 and an interior surface 220. Interior surface 220 defines a bore of optical fiber cable 210. In one or more embodiments, a cable core 216 is positioned in the bore. As shown in FIG. 3, a shape and / or size of the access feature 214 can be varied. A distance, D2, is defined between an outermost point or outer edge 224 of the access feature 214 and the exterior surface 222 of the cable jacket 212.

[0041] FIG. 4 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an optical fiber cable 310. Optical fiber cable 310 is substantially similar to optical fiber cables 10, 110, 210 except for the differences disused herein. The optical fiber cable 310 includes a cable jacket 312. TheAttorney Docket No.: HI24-118PCT cable jacket 312 includes an outer or exterior surface 322 and an interior surface 320. A foamed access feature 314 is disposed between exterior surface 322 and interior surface 320.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, cable jacket 312 includes at least one identification feature shown as a protrusion 318 that extends outward from the exterior surface 322 of the cable jacket 312. In one or more embodiments, cable jacket 312 includes a pair of identification features or protrusions 318. Identification features 318 are positioned adjacent or proximal to the foamed access feature 314 in order to allow a user to easily and quickly identify the location of the foamed access feature 314 within optical fiber cable 310.

[0043] FIG. 5 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an optical fiber cable 410. Optical fiber cable 410 is substantially similar to optical fiber cables 10, 110, 210, 310 except for the differences disused herein. The optical fiber cable 410 includes a cable jacket 412. The cable jacket 412 includes an outer or exterior surface 422 and an interior surface 420. A foamed access feature 414 is disposed between exterior surface 422 and interior surface 420. In one or more embodiments, cable jacket 412 includes at least one identification feature shown as a recess 418 that extends inward from the exterior surface 422 of the cable jacket 412. In one or more embodiments, cable jacket 412 includes a pair of identification features or recesses 418.

[0044] FIGS. 6-9 are photographs depicting various exemplary of cable jackets 512, 612, 712, 812 that include foamed access features according to embodiments described herein. As can be seen, a size or cross-sectional area of the foamed access features 514, 614, 714, 814 can be varied. Applicant believes specific sizes of foamed access features 514, 614, 714, 814 can be chosen for specific cable jackets 512, 612, 712, 812. In other words, the size of the foamed access features 514, 614, 714, 814is chosen to match a force needed to open the cable jackets 512, 612, 712, 812.

[0045] FIGS. 6-9 depict exemplary of cable jackets 512, 612, 712, 812 formed using a high density polyethylene (HDPE). Foamed access features 514, 614, 714, 814 are also formed from HDPE. Foamed access features 514, 614, 714, 814 were formed using an additional 1% by weight of a chemical foaming agent. In these experimental examples, the foamed access features 514, 614, 714, 814 included a black colorant to identify the foamed access features within the cable jackets 512, 612, 712, 812. In various embodiments, foamed access features 514, 614, 714, 814 may include a colorant to make the foamed access features easily identifiable within their respective cable jackets 512, 612, 712, 812.Attorney Docket No.: HI24-118PCT

[0046] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cable jacket 512 of FIG. 6 opened using the fast access feature 514, according to an exemplary embodiment. Cable jacket 512 was opened by hand pulling a foamed access feature 514.

[0047] FIGS. 11-12 depict void fast access features according to exemplary embodiments. Optical fiber cable 910 is substantially similar to optical fiber cables 10, 110, 210 except for the differences disused herein. The optical fiber cable 910 includes a cable jacket 912. The cable jacket 912 includes an outer or exterior surface 922 and an interior surface 920. A void access feature 914 is disposed between exterior surface 922 and interior surface 920. In other words, the access feature 914 is a region of space embedded in the cable jacket 912 that is occupied by air or some other gas, depending upon an environment in which the cable is ultimately deployed. In one or more embodiments, void 914 is a longitudinally extending void that extends along an entire length of optical fiber cable 910.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 12, cable jacket 1012 can include more than one void 1014. In one or more embodiments, void 1014 includes one or more voids positioned along the length of the optical fiber cable 1010. In such embodiments, the voids 1014 are positioned between a cable core 1016 and an exterior surface 1022 of cable jacket 1012. The multiple voids 1014 can be positioned radially in line with one another, as shown in FIG. 12. However, in other embodiments the multiple voids 1014 can be positioned offset from one another such that an angle is formed between lines extending from each of the voids 1014 to a center of the cable 1010. In one or more embodiments, voids 914, 1014 are formed in the cable jacket 912, 1012 and then later closed with a sealing material to avoid water penetration. In one or more embodiments, the sealing material is foam, swellable powder, or gel.

[0049] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more than one component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one.

[0050] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed embodiments. Since modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and variations of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art, the disclosed embodiments should be construed to include everything within the scope ofAttorney Docket No.: HI24-118PCTthe appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: HI24-118PCT What is claimed is:

1. An optical fiber cable, comprising:a cable jacket formed from a first polymeric material, the cable jacket comprising: an interior surface, the interior surface defining a bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable; andan exterior surface, the exterior surface defining an outermost surface of the optical fiber cable;a cable core comprising at least one optical fiber disposed within the bore of the cable jacket; andat least one access feature comprising the first polymeric material disposed between the interior surface and the exterior surface, wherein the at least one access feature is foamed.

2. The optical fiber cable of claim 1, wherein the first polymeric material of the cable jacket has a first density and the first polymeric material of the at least one access feature has a second density, and wherein the second density is different than the first density.

3. The optical fiber cable of claim 2, wherein the second density is 50% to 90% of the first density.

4. The optical fiber cable of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the cable jacket further comprises an identification feature.

5. The optical fiber cable of claim 4, wherein the identification feature is at least one of a protrusion extending outward from the exterior surface of the cable jacket and a recess extending inward from the exterior surface of the cable jacket.

6. The optical fiber cable of claim 1, wherein the first polymeric material ispolyethylene.Attorney Docket No.: HI24-118PCT 7. The optical fiber cable of claim 1, wherein the at least one access feature is formed from a first polymeric composition, the first polymeric composition comprising:the first polymeric material;a chemical foaming agent, the chemical foaming agent being present in an amount up to 2.5% by weight of the first polymeric composition; anda melt strength enhancer, the melt strength enhancer being present in an amount up to 0.5% by weight of the first polymeric composition.

8. The optical fiber cable of claim 7, wherein the chemical foaming agent comprises an exothermic foaming agent.

9. The optical fiber cable of claim 7, wherein the chemical foaming agent comprises an endothermic foaming agent.

10. The optical fiber cable of claim 7, wherein the melt strength enhancer comprises active peroxide.

11. The optical fiber cable of claim 1, wherein the at least one access feature comprises a plurality of gas bubbles.

12. The optical fiber cable of claim 11, wherein the at least one access feature is physically foamed using at least one of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and a hydrocarbon gas.

13. An optical fiber cable, comprising:a cable jacket formed from a first polymeric material, the first polymeric material of the cable jacket having a first density, the cable jacket comprising:an interior surface, the interior surface defining a central bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable; andan exterior surface, the exterior surface defining an outermost surface of the optical fiber cable;a cable core comprising at least one optical fiber disposed within the central bore of the cable jacket; andAttorney Docket No.: HI24-118PCT an access feature comprising the first polymeric material disposed between the interior surface and the exterior surface;wherein the first polymeric material of the access feature comprises a second density, and wherein the second density is less than the first density.

14. The optical fiber cable of claim 13, wherein the access feature is embedded in the cable jacket between the cable core and the exterior surface of the cable jacket.

15. The optical fiber cable of claim 13, wherein the second density is 50% to 90% of the first density.

16. The optical fiber cable of claim 13, wherein the cable core further comprises a buffer tube, and wherein the buffer tube surrounds the at least one optical fiber.

17. The optical fiber cable of claim 13, further comprising:a pair of strength members, wherein each of the pair of strength members are positioned on opposing sides of the cable core;wherein the access feature comprises a pair of access features, and wherein pair of access features are positioned on opposing sides of the cable core.

18. The optical fiber cable of claim 13, wherein the exterior surface of the cable jacket further comprises an identification feature adjacent to the access feature, and wherein the identification feature is at least one of a protrusion and a recess extending inward from the exterior surface.Attorney Docket No.: HI24-118PCT 19. An optical fiber cable, comprising:a cable jacket formed from a first material, the cable jacket comprising:an interior surface, the interior surface defining a bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable; andan exterior surface;a cable core comprising at least one optical fiber disposed within the bore of the cable jacket; andan access feature comprising one or more voids disposed within the cable jacket between the interior surface and the exterior surface.

20. The optical fiber cable of claim 19, wherein the one or more voids are contained in a foamed first material.

21. The optical fiber cable of claim 19, wherein a distance between an outer edge of the access feature and the exterior surface of the cable jacket is less than 0.2 mm.

22. The optical fiber cable of claim 21, wherein the distance is between 0.01 mm and 0.2 mm.

23. The optical fiber cable of claim 19, wherein the one or more voids are continuous voids.

24. The optical fiber cable of claim 19, wherein the first material of the cable jacket has a first density and the first material of the access feature has a second density, and wherein the second density is less than the first density.

25. The optical fiber cable of claim 19, wherein the access feature comprises two access features, and wherein the two access features are arranged diametrically around the cable core.

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