Installing optical cables in ducts by synergetic pushing and blowing is becoming the standard technique now in most countries. A review is given of this technique and its appliances and a comparison is made with traditional techniques. Some current developments are addressed: remote installation units powered by the airflow through the duct, blowing in of (multi) tubes and the use of water instead of air. Remarkably it is the copper telecommunications access network, where both small and very large cables are used, demanding new breakthroughs today.
Proc. 46th IWCS (1997) 363-367
W. Griffioen, G. Plumettaz