DISTRIBUTION CABLING TAPE AND SYSTEM
A distribution cabling tape comprises a resilient polymeric base sheet having a first major surface and a second major surface, the first major surface having a continuous lengthwise channel formed in a first portion thereof. The tape also includes an adhesive layer disposed on a second and third portion of the first major surface, the adhesive layer capable of adhering to a concrete or asphalt surface, such as a road, curb, or walkway.
1 . A method of deploying a communications network, the method comprising:
forming a trench in a road surface having a width and a bottom surface that is below surface level of the road;
forming a channel in the bottom surface of the trench, the channel being narrower than the width of the trench;
deploying a distribution cable into the channel; and
disposing a distribution cabling tape into the trench directly above the channel.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the distribution cabling tape comprises a resilient polymeric base sheet having a first major surface and a second major surface, and an adhesive layer disposed on the first major surface, the adhesive layer capable of adhering to the road surface.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the second major surface of the distribution cabling tape comprises a patterned surface having a plurality of raised structures.
4 . The method of claim 3 , wherein the second major surface of the distribution cabling tape comprises a coated surface.
5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein the coated surface comprises a surface coated with at least one of a thermoset, a thermoplastic, and retroreflective elements.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the road surface comprises concrete or asphalt.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the distribution cable comprises at least one optical fiber.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the distribution cable is a pre-fabricated distribution cable assembly.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the trench and the channel are formed using road surface grinding tools.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the road surface is a road, curb or walkway.
11 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
applying a sealant or an adhesive to the channel that can help prevent water build-up in the channel.
12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the distribution cabling tape includes several break-out channels to allow one or more communication or power lines within the distribution cable to branch out from the distribution cable.
13 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the distribution cable tape continues beyond the road surface, the method further comprising:
wrapping the distribution cable tape extending beyond the road surface around the distribution cable.