Fiber optic jumper cable

1. A fiber optic jumper cable having a central axis, comprising:

a bend-resistant optical fiber generally arranged along the central axis, wherein the bend resistance of the optical fiber is such that:

with one turn around a 10 mm diameter mandrel, the bend-resistant optical fiber exhibits an attenuation increase of less than 0.5 dB at a wavelength of 850 nm;

with one turn around a 15 mm diameter mandrel, the bend-resistant optical fiber exhibits an attenuation increase of less than 0.2 dB at a wavelength of 850 nm; and

with one turn around a 20 mm diameter mandrel, the bend-resistant optical fiber exhibits an attenuation increase of less than 0.1 dB at a wavelength of 850 nm;

a tensile-strength layer surrounding the bend-resistant optical fiber; and

a protective cover surrounding the tensile-strength layer and having an outside diameter DO in the range 1.6 mm≦DO≦4 mm, wherein the protective cover is a protective outer layer in the form of a cable jacket, wherein the protective cover comprises polyethylene, and wherein the protective cover is formed from at least 80% polyethylene.

2. The fiber optic jumper cable of claim 1 , wherein the tensile-strength layer comprises at least one of aramid yarn, fiberglass and super-absorbent polymer.

3. The fiber optic jumper cable of claim 1 , wherein the protective cover has a thickness T50 in the range 0.15 mm≦T50≦0.55 mm.

4. The fiber optic jumper cable of claim 1 , wherein the cable jacket is formed from flame retardant polyethylene.

5. The fiber optic jumper cable of claim 1 , wherein the cable has an outside diameter in the range of 1.6 mm to 4 mm.

6. The fiber optic jumper cable of claim 1 , wherein the cable does not include anti-buckling elements and wherein the tensile strength layer provides protection from tensioning forces but does not provide substantial anti-buckling strength or anti-bending strength.

7. The fiber optic jumper cable of claim 1 , wherein the bend resistance of the optical fiber is such that:

with one turn around a 10 mm diameter mandrel, the bend-resistant optical fiber exhibits an attenuation increase of less than 0.3 dB at a wavelength of 850 nm;

with one turn around a 15 mm diameter mandrel, the bend-resistant optical fiber exhibits an attenuation increase of less than 0.1 dB at a wavelength of 850 nm; and

with one turn around a 20 mm diameter mandrel, the bend-resistant optical fiber exhibits an attenuation increase of less than 0.05 dB at a wavelength of 850 nm.