Distribution cabling tape and system

Abstract

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.

We claim: 
     
         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.