This guide provides a complete installation process for armored fiber optic cords, explaining each step from routing and pulling to stripping, cleaning, and testing. With a durable protective layer, they are ideal for harsh or high-traffic environments. This article explains what armored fiber cables are, their key. Executive Summary: Both armored and unarmored fiber optic cables transmit light signals at near-speed-of-light speeds. An armored optical cable is a type of fiber optic cable reinforced with a protective layer—usually corrugated steel tape (STA) or steel wires (SWA) —to shield the internal fibers from external threats such as crushing, rodent bites, moisture, and harsh installation conditions.