Airport Fiber

The right armored fiber optic cable to meet for the cyber, environmental and physical security demands of the world’s busiest airports. 

Our fiber solutions are designed to withstand the rigors of high-traffic environments, allowing airport operators to confidently manage sensitive operations and passenger data. By integrating state-of-the-art security features with unparalleled durability, TiniFiber builds an airport infrastructure that not only safeguards its users but also elevates the overall travel experience.

TiniFiber® – For the Most Secure, Reliable and Long-Distance Connections

Airports rely heavily on data networks for air traffic control and emergency response coordination as well as baggage handling, ticketing, and passenger information systems. The top 10 airports alone handled 790 million managed passengers in 2023, with up to 1,000 flights per day (1 every 90 seconds), making operational continuity critical. Fiber optic cables across an airport need protection from not just EMI and groundworks, but environmental, physical and cybersecurity threats too.

With its groundbreaking stainless steel and Kevlar® design, TiniFiber® Micro Armor Fiber™ is the most durable, flexible and adaptable broadband fiber optic cable. Boasting the industry’s smallest outer diameter of any armored fiber optic cable, it is 65% smaller and 75% lighter than traditional aluminum interlocking armor (AIA) fiber. Its innovative proprietary tightly wrapped stainless steel coil design gives it an unmatched armored flexibility. Using various installation techniques, it can go the distance through the most challenging pathways.

Airport Fiber Optic Challenges

Fiber optics are used extensively in airports, with several safety critical and operational systems relying on this technology.

With emergency communication and baggage claims, as well as various in-terminal networks, towers, runways and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems all relying on these networks.

Additionally, passengers and airport staff expect continuous high-capacity broadband services throughout airport terminals.

At the passenger level, the experience can ultimately be tied to data, bandwidth and speed. This is exemplified by a movie downloaded while waiting at the gate, which is underpinned by a durable and integrated fiber optic network that made it possible.

Airports need to be ultra-connected and like modern micro-cities they will incorporate everything from flight information display screens, tablets at restaurants and waiting areas, sensors and monitors, to digital place-based media, interactive kiosks, connected retail establishments, payment systems, multi-level security.

These systems rely on an airport-wide distributed antenna system (DAS) backed by fiber optics, with capacity being essential.

TiniFiber® – For the Most Secure, Reliable and Long-Distance Connections

Airports are critical infrastructure, and their communication systems require the highest levels of reliability and security. Armored fiber optics are therefore essential to protect these networks from:

Vibration Damage

With constant aircraft movement, ground vehicle traffic, and construction activities, standard fiber optic cables would be highly prone to damage.

Environmental and rodent damage

From extreme temperatures to moisture and chemical exposure, fiber optic cables in airports are subject to significant degradation forces. Additionally, rodent damage is also common.

Vandalism

The sensitive nature of airport operations makes them targets of both terrorists and protestors, and it is essential that communication lines are safeguarded against tampering and sabotage.

Accidental damage

Airports are also subject to regular maintenance, with groundworks needing to be undertaken rapidly to minimize downtime, which subjects fiber optic cables to the risk of accidental cuts and damage during such activities.

Increasing Network Capacity Without Affecting Operational Time

As airports modernize, additional capacity is crucial. But airports face a considerable challenge as adding capacity requires conduits to be created, and this would close runways and sections of the terminals.

The fiber optic cabling found in many airports is often antiquated and can be decades old. These older fiber cables, encased with AIA are literally clogging up the conduit space in buildings, terminals, under runways and throughout the airport facilities. The existing AIA cables are disproportionately large in diameter compared to the fiber cables they house.

Advances in armored cabling technology means it’s possible to swap aluminium interlocking armor for a steel and Kevlar mix – to create a Micro Armor Fiber – and enables 144 fibers to be encased in a smaller diameter than a traditional 12-fiber AIA cable.

This enables the process of pathway reclamation, with contractors removing older, bulky cables and replacing them with the much stronger, lighter and flexible Micro Armor Fiber cables, avoiding the process of digging up, re-trenching and putting in new conduits to run the fiber cables. This would otherwise be enormously costly, time consuming and disruptive.

Download Case Study

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) enaged with TiniFiber for its adoption of innovative technology to improve its operations and passenger experience.

A key component of this is the use of optical fiber cables for communication and data transmission. The airport has chosen to use TiniFiber’s Micro Armor Fiberâ„¢ optic cable, which is significantly smaller and lighter than traditional Aluminum Interlocking Armor.

This technology supports a variety of systems within the airport, including security cameras, data centers, digital signage, and Wi-Fi, systems that are crucial for the smooth operation of the airport and the comfort and convenience of passengers.

The airport’s expansion plans, known as Destination CLT, aim to incorporate these technological advancements across all passenger areas by 2025. This will further enhance the airport’s operations and the passenger experience.

Our Latest Podcast: Flexible, Durable, Adaptable: The TiniFiber Advantage in Airport Tech – Fiber Optic Breakthroughs

Check out our inaugural episode of Fiber Optic Breakthroughs, Justin Hobbs, an expert in network infrastructure and airport technology, shares his journey from a tech-savvy teen to a key player in deploying fiber optic solutions at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. He discusses the evolution of the airport’s network, challenges with traditional cabling, and how TiniFiber’s innovative product addressed these issues, highlighting its durability, flexibility, and space-saving benefits—crucial for airport expansion projects.

Find a Manufacturer's Representative

The full line of TiniFiber® Micro Armor Fiber™ Optic Cable is available through our nationwide network of Manufacturer's Representatives.

ASTORS Award

TiniFiber’s Micro Armor cable has been recognized in American Security Today’s ASTORS Awards for its use in aviation applications.

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Multimode Fiber Optic Cable

LaGuardia Airport trusted Tiny Fiber’s Micro Armor for the implementation of a DAS/wireless applications across its Terminal B arrivals and departures.

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