BICSI Releases New Edition of Outside Plant Design Reference Manual

TAMPA, FL — BICSI, the association advancing the information and communications technology (ICT) community, has published a new edition of the Outside Plant Design Reference Manual (OSPDRM).

From its beginnings of supporting the telegraph, outside plant (OSP) cabling has evolved into the vital element that supports all voice and data communication globally. Even today’s cellular wireless networks are supported by a wide array of OSP cabling and infrastructure, empowering individuals to communicate as they need. BICSI serves as the main provider of best practices for the ICT community as it relates to OSP design.

Written by OSP subject matter experts, the manual focuses on outside plant properties, with the detailed information contained applicable to all projects large and small. In addition to covering traditional infrastructure subjects such as cabling and pathways, the OSPDRM also covers items not typically found within interior design work, such as right-of-way, permitting and service restoration.

The 6th Edition of OSPDRM includes updates and additional information on:

• Passive optical networks (PON)


• Aerial installation of all dielectric self-supporting cable (ADSS)


• Maintenance and restoration of OSP


• Radio frequency over glass (RFoG) specific to OSP fiber optic installations


• Additional excavation methods for direct-buried cable and pathways (i.e., vacuum, hydro-vac, and air nozzle)


• New storm loading requirements for aerial OSP design that includes the U.S. Warm Islands Zone per requirements in 2017 NESC


• Updated OM5 optical fiber cable type


• Project management information and geographic information systems (GIS)


• Air-assisted cable installation for OSP cable runs


• Changes resulting from the issuance of the 2017 edition of the NESC concerning clearances and grounding/bonding requirements