Fiber optic distribution cables and structures therefor

A fiber optic distribution cable, comprising:

• a jacket defining an exterior of the fiber optic distribution cable, wherein the jacket defines a cavity therein and has an opening formed in the jacket that extends to the cavity, and wherein the opening is a slot;
• a plurality of optical fibers extending through the cavity of the jacket, the plurality of optical fibers comprising a distribution optical fiber that extends through and protrudes from the opening in the jacket, wherein the fiber optic distribution cable has a tubeless design such that the cavity immediately surrounds the plurality of optical fibers,
• wherein the length of the distribution optical fiber protruding from the opening in the jacket is at least 5/4 times the length of the opening,
• wherein the distribution cable is a flat ribbon cable, wherein the plurality of optical fibers are arranged in a stack of fiber optic ribbons, and wherein the cavity is a rectangular cavity, whereby the cavity shape mitigates stresses on corner fibers of the ribbon stack;
• the fiber optic distribution further comprising:
• strength members that provide tensile and anti-buckling strength to the distribution cable, wherein the strength members are disposed on opposite sides of the cavity and impart a preferential bend characteristic to the distribution cable;
• wherein the distribution cable has a dry construction such that the cable excludes a grease or gel for water-blocking, and wherein the distribution cable includes water-swellable components for water-blocking.