Indoor/outdoor fiber optic cable allow users to link their network infrastructure from building to building without transition from indoor cable, to outside plant cable (OSP), then back to indoor cable. These transitions are required by national electrical code since outside plant cables, which offer protection from elements, cannot typically pass electrical code requirements for indoor use. I/O cables, which are relatively new compared to OSP cables, can travel directly from network room, leave the building and go outside, typically via conduit or aerial lashing, then re-enter building and go directly to intended network room. They can do this because in addition to outdoor cable characteristics, they are plenum or riser rated and can, therefore, be run inside buildings.

Armoring of I/O cable adds an additional level of security and protection to cable. Today, network downtime, in any application, is unacceptable. Damage to fiber optic cable, during installation or following, can be avoided by using an armored fiber. And, since fiber optic cables usually support multiple users, the risk associated with losing fiber optic link is typically more significant than losing single user. Armored I/O fiber optic cables are ideal solution for nearly all instances where cable needs to exit structure and then re-enter one. And, HCM's new armored I/O fiber optic has plenum rating, highest electrical code rating for communication cables, it can go anywhere within building. HCM's armored I/O fiber optic gives you the ultimate freedom to build network that meets specific needs.