Theoretical Lifespan: 30 to 50 Years. In a perfect vacuum, the silica glass (SiO2) core does not degrade. Manufacturers like Wolontek design cables to remain within attenuation specs for this period. But ask any veteran network engineer, and they will tell you a different story. Others, installed in the 1990s, are still running. Mice and rats will chew on a lot of stuff, I had a Zayo ILA where the span would go down on average once a year due to rodent chew despite every exclusionary measure they took. It happened constantly in Iraq. Le acrylate coating The 250 µm primary coating surrounding the silica is more sensitive: when exposed to UV radiation, humidity, or extreme temperatures, it can become brittle over 10 to 20 years. It. Optics are durable, reliable, thermal set and also a future-proof investment! James is a technical manager and associate at Zion Communication. Specializes in Optical Fiber communications, FTTH Solutions, Fiber optic cables, ADSS cable, and ODN networks. Micro cables provide high fiber counts in a small cable diameter footprint to help maximize duct. FiberCheap is a professional Fiber Optic Drop Cable Manufacturer with 14 years of experience, if you're looking for a FTTH Fiber Drop Cable solution that offers superior quality, durability and cost-effectiveness, please feel free to contact us.