Optical-Fiber Module Having Improved Accessibility

An optical-fiber module, comprising:

• one or more optical fibers;
• an intermediate layer enclosing said one or more optical fibers, said intermediate layer comprising (i) a polymeric medium and (ii) between about 10 weight percent and 20 weight percent silicone oil dispersed within said polymeric medium;
• and
• a buffer tube enclosing said one or more optical fibers and said intermediate layer;
• wherein at least about 300 millimeters of said buffer tube and said intermediate layer can be substantially removed from said one or more optical fibers in a single operation using a strip force of less than about 20 N.

An optical-fiber module, comprising:

• a plurality of single-mode optical fibers, each said single-mode optical fiber complying with the ITU-T G.657.A recommendations and/or the ITU-T G.657.B recommendations;
• an intermediate layer enclosing said plurality of single-mode optical fibers, said intermediate layer comprising (i) a polymeric medium and (ii) a liquid lubricant dispersed within said polymeric medium;
• and
• a buffer tube enclosing said plurality of single-mode optical fibers and said intermediate layer;
• wherein during two temperature cycles from −40° C. to 70° C., each said single-mode optical fiber has a maximum increase in attenuation of less than about 0.05 dB/km at wavelengths of 1550 nanometers and 1625 nanometers;
• and
• wherein at least about 300 millimeters of said buffer tube and said intermediate layer can be substantially removed from said plurality of single-mode optical fibers in a single operation using a strip force of less than about 20 N.