In the world of telecommunications and data infrastructure, one term keeps popping up: fiber blowing. But what is fiber blowing, and why has it become the preferred method for deploying fiber optic cables across both long-haul and access networks?
At Fremco, we specialize in developing professional-grade fiber blowing machines that make cable installation simple and optimal across a wide range of use cases. Let us walk you through the basics of fiber blowing, how our machines support this method, and answer some frequently asked questions.
What is fiber blowing?
Fiber blowing – also called jetting – is a method used to install fiber optic cable into microducts using compressed air or water. A fiber blowing machine uses air pressure and mechanical push force to “float” the cable inside the duct, which means the cable can travel long distances with minimal friction or risk of damage.
Compared to traditional pulling methods, blowing fiber significantly reduces strain on the cable and enables much longer installation runs – up to 10 kilometers or more with the right equipment. This makes fiber blowing ideal for:
- FTTH (Fiber To The Home)
- Campus and ISP networks
- Long-haul telecom infrastructure
- Re-lining or upgrading existing duct systems
At Fremco, we’ve engineered a wide range of machines optimized for various fiber and duct sizes, ensuring precision and speed across all installation scenarios – and you can explore our full machine range here.
How far can you blow fiber?
The blowing distance depends on several factors – duct size, cable diameter, terrain, and machine capability. That’s why selecting the right machine is crucial to ensure your project’s success. Examples of distances are listed here:
- PicoFlow RAPID: Up to 500 feet
- NanoFlow MAX: Up to 3,940 feet
- MiniFlow RAPID: Up to 11,485 feet
- PowerFlow & MultiFlow RAPID: Up to 16,404 feet (32,808 feet with water)
What type of fiber can be installed with blowing machines?
Fremco machines support a wide range of cable diameters – from 0.8 mm micro cables to 32 mm large fiber bundles. Whether you’re working with EPFU (Enhanced Performance Fiber Units), micro cables, or larger outdoor-grade fibers, we have machines and accessories to match.
You can also adapt many of our machines with accessories to support duct relining, rodding, and more. Machines like the MicroFlow TOUCH and MicroFlow LOG offer smart monitoring and data documentation via OptiCloud integration for advanced installations.
Is fiber blowing better than traditional pulling?
In most cases – yes. Fiber blowing minimizes mechanical stress, supports longer runs, and offers higher reliability. It also allows for network scalability. For example, ducts can be installed in advance, and fiber can be blown in later as bandwidth needs increase.
Benefits of fiber blowing over traditional pulling are for example:
- Reduced cable strain and breakage
- Faster and safer installations
- Fewer splice points and higher flexibility
- Lower long-term cost of maintenance and upgrades
Why choose fremco fiber blowing machines?
Fremco has been a pioneer in fiber blowing since the early 2000s. We are ISO 9001 certified and the first in the industry to offer an extended warranty of up to 36 months, because we stand by our commitment to quality and long-term value. Below we’ve listed some of the key features of our machines.
Tool-free configuration
All Fremco machines are designed for tool-free assembly, giving you minimal prep time and allowing quick reconfiguration between jobs. This enables your team to complete multiple installations per day without wasting time on setup.
Fast, safe, and scalable
Whether you’re using our handheld PicoFlow RAPID for short runs or the heavy-duty MultiFlow RAPID for industrial-scale deployment, every machine has built-in safety features and rapid setup times – ranging from 2 to 10 minutes.
Cost-efficient engineering
We design machines that provide everything you need – and nothing you don’t. That means no over-engineered features driving up your cost of ownership. Our models are competitively priced while delivering high performance and durability.
Your best partner in fiber installation
Fremco is not just a manufacturer – we’re a long-term partner for telecom contractors, utility companies, and infrastructure developers worldwide. Every product we build is based on real-world feedback, continuous innovation, and engineering excellence.
Let’s build faster, smarter fiber networks – together.