Common Specification Mistakes When Selecting Mini Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable

Mini Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable Specification Mistakes can create problems long before a cable reaches the installation site. Although fibre count and fibre type are important, they represent only part of a complete procurement decision. Therefore, cable construction, pathway conditions, environmental exposure, mechanical requirements and long-term network objectives also require careful consideration.

Therefore, engineers, consultants, contractors and procurement teams should specify the complete cable system, not simply request a fibre count and a generic outdoor cable.

For example, two cables may both be described as 24-core singlemode outdoor fibre optic cable. However, they may use different jacket materials, fibre specifications, water-blocking methods, loose tube configurations and mechanical designs. Consequently, they may perform very differently in the same Australian underground network.

The RapidConnect® TR-Series Mini Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable provides a useful example of why complete specification matters. Therefore, its design combines compact Mini Loose Tube architecture with a Blue PA12 Nylon outer jacket, Black PE inner jacket, water-blocking technology, G.657.A2 bend-insensitive singlemode fibre and environmental protection for outdoor duct and conduit applications.

This guide examines the most common Mini Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable specification mistakes and explains how better procurement decisions can improve installation outcomes, network reliability and whole-of-life value.

Mistake 1: Specifying Only the Fibre Count

One of the most common procurement mistakes involves describing the required cable primarily by fibre count.

For example, a specification might simply request:

24-core singlemode outdoor fibre optic cable.

Although that statement identifies an important requirement, it leaves much of the cable undefined.

It does not establish:

• Cable construction.
• Optical fibre specification.
• Jacket material.
• Water-blocking method.
• Mechanical performance.
• Environmental protection.
• Cable diameter.
• Intended installation method.
• Technical documentation requirements.

As a result, suppliers may offer fundamentally different cable constructions against what appears to be the same specification.

Therefore, fibre count should form only one part of the procurement document.

A stronger specification defines the complete cable architecture and the operating environment that architecture must support.

Mistake 2: Failing to Define the Installation Environment

Before selecting any fibre optic cable, engineers should establish exactly where and how the cable will operate.

For example, a cable installed inside a building faces different environmental conditions from one routed through outdoor underground conduits and telecommunications pits.

Therefore, a Mini Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable specification should consider questions such as:

• Will the cable run through underground conduit?
• Will the route include telecommunications pits?
• Could pits or conduits contain moisture?
• Will the cable experience temporary UV exposure?
• Are termites a relevant environmental risk?
• What temperature range could occur?
• How long is the installation route?
• How congested are the pathways?
• Will future cables share the same conduit?

Once these conditions are understood, cable construction can be matched to the actual project.

Otherwise, procurement risks selecting a product that satisfies the fibre count but not the installation environment.

Mistake 3: Treating All Outdoor Fibre Cables as Equivalent

The term outdoor fibre optic cable describes an application category rather than one standard construction.

Outdoor cables can differ substantially in:

• Jacket polymers.
• Water-blocking systems.
• Strength components.
• Loose tube architecture.
• Armour systems.
• Cable diameter.
• Fibre specification.
• Environmental protection technology.

Therefore, specifying only an “outdoor fibre optic cable” leaves too much room for interpretation.

Instead, engineers should identify the environmental conditions and installation method first. Then, procurement can assess whether each proposed construction addresses those requirements.

This approach changes the decision from generic product selection to application-specific engineering.

Mistake 4: Selecting the Wrong Cable for the Pathway

A cable designed for one installation method does not automatically suit every outdoor application.

For example, fibre optic networks may require cables specifically designed for:

• Outdoor conduit or duct.
• Aerial installation.
• Direct burial.
• Armoured environments.
• Indoor/outdoor pathways.
• Fire-resistant applications.

Each environment places different demands on the cable.

The RapidConnect® TR-Series is designed for outdoor duct and conduit networks. Therefore, procurement documents should clearly define that pathway.

By doing so, the specification prevents a cable designed for a fundamentally different installation method from being treated as equivalent.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Jacket Material

Fibre type and fibre count often receive most of the attention during procurement. However, the jacket forms the cable’s primary interface with the installation environment.

Different polymers can provide different performance characteristics relating to:

• Abrasion.
• Moisture.
• UV exposure.
• Environmental ageing.
• Temperature.
• Chemical exposure.
• Termite resistance.

The RapidConnect® TR-Series uses a Blue PA12 Nylon outer jacket over a Black PE inner jacket.

Therefore, specifying only “blue outer jacket” would be insufficient.

Colour identifies the cable visually, whereas the polymer system determines important engineering characteristics.

A technically stronger specification should define the required jacket construction rather than relying on appearance.

Mistake 6: Assuming Cable Colour Defines Performance

Cable colour can help installers and technicians identify infrastructure. Nevertheless, colour does not establish the cable’s material composition or environmental performance.

For example, a blue jacket does not automatically confirm:

• PA12 Nylon.
• UV stabilisation.
• Termite protection.
• Water-blocking capability.
• Mechanical performance.
• Antioxidant protection.

Consequently, procurement teams should distinguish between visual identification and technical construction.

For the TR-Series, blue identifies the PA12 Nylon outer jacket. However, the jacket material, formulation and complete cable architecture provide the relevant performance characteristics.

Therefore, specifications should state the material requirement directly.

Mistake 7: Failing to Specify Water-Blocking Technology

Moisture represents a realistic consideration for Australian underground telecommunications infrastructure.

Rainfall, groundwater, flooding, drainage changes and damaged infrastructure can allow water into pits and conduits.

Therefore, engineers should consider how the cable manages moisture if water reaches its internal structure.

Water-blocking materials help restrict longitudinal water migration through the cable.

In the TR-Series, water-blocking yarn sits inside the Black PE inner jacket and around the PBT loose tubes.

Importantly, it does not sit between the Blue PA12 Nylon outer jacket and the Black PE inner jacket.

This construction detail matters because it explains exactly where the water-blocking system performs its function.

For a broader explanation of moisture risk, see Moisture in Fibre Optic Cable.

Mistake 8: Confusing Water Blocking With Waterproofing

Water blocking and waterproofing are not interchangeable terms.

Water-blocking materials perform a specific role within the cable structure. In particular, they help restrict moisture migration through available internal spaces.

However, that does not mean the complete cable should automatically be described as waterproof under every possible condition.

Therefore, procurement teams should use precise terminology.

Rather than relying on broad claims, specifications should define:

• Cable construction.
• Water-blocking method.
• Installation environment.
• Applicable technical requirements.
• Manufacturer documentation.

As a result, suppliers can respond against a clear engineering requirement rather than an ambiguous marketing term.

Mistake 9: Ignoring UV Protection

Because the TR-Series is primarily intended for duct and conduit installations, UV resistance can appear less important at first.

However, underground cable may still experience sunlight exposure at various stages of its lifecycle.

For example, exposure may occur:

• During storage.
• While cable remains on drums.
• During installation.
• At pit entries.
• At building entries.
• During maintenance.
• At temporarily exposed sections.

Therefore, UV stabilisation remains relevant for outdoor cable construction.

The TR-Series includes UV protection as part of its broader environmental protection strategy.

Consequently, engineers should assess realistic lifecycle exposure rather than assuming that underground cable will never encounter sunlight.

Mistake 10: Overlooking Antioxidant Protection

Cable jackets can age through more than one mechanism.

Heat, oxygen and time can contribute to oxidative degradation of polymer materials. Therefore, antioxidant stabilisation can become important when designing cable infrastructure for long-term service.

The TR-Series combines antioxidant protection with UV and termite protection as part of its Triple Protection Technology.

These three elements address:

• Termite exposure.
• UV degradation.
• Oxidative ageing.

Consequently, long-term jacket performance should be considered as a system rather than a single environmental characteristic.

This being the case, it becomes particularly important when the network owner expects the underlying conduit infrastructure to remain valuable for decades.

Mistake 11: Ignoring Termite Risk

Termite exposure can matter in Australian underground infrastructure.

Therefore, where the site presents a relevant risk, the procurement specification should address termite protection explicitly.

Otherwise, a generic outdoor cable requirement may allow products with very different jacket technologies to be treated as equivalent.

The TR-Series uses a Blue PA12 Nylon outer jacket with termite-resistant technology.

However, cable technology should complement appropriate infrastructure design rather than replace it.

The procurement principle is straightforward: if an environmental risk matters to the project, include it in the specification.

Leaving it undefined transfers an engineering decision to the supplier.

Mistake 12: Specifying Fibre Type Too Broadly

The term singlemode fibre covers more than one fibre category.

Therefore, simply specifying “singlemode” may leave an important optical requirement undefined.

The RapidConnect® TR-Series uses G.657.A2 bend-insensitive singlemode fibre in applicable singlemode configurations.

G.657.A2 provides improved macrobending performance compared with conventional singlemode fibre under tighter bending conditions.

This can provide advantages within:

• Telecommunications pits.
• Fibre enclosures.
• Building entries.
• Restricted pathways.
• Equipment areas.
• High-density termination environments.

Therefore, where bend performance and long-term network flexibility matter, engineers should specify the required fibre category rather than use a generic singlemode description.

Mistake 13: Assuming Bend-Insensitive Fibre Eliminates Cable Bend Limits

G.657.A2 fibre improves optical bend performance. Nevertheless, the complete cable still has mechanical limitations.

The optical fibres sit inside PBT loose tubes, which form part of a broader cable architecture. Consequently, the cable’s specified minimum bend radius still governs installation.

Therefore, procurement documentation should distinguish between:

Optical fibre bend performance, and
Complete cable bend radius.

Our guide to Mini Loose Tube Fibre Cable Bend Radius explains this distinction in detail.

By separating these two concepts, engineers can avoid one of the most common misunderstandings surrounding bend-insensitive fibre.

Mistake 14: Ignoring Cable Diameter

Cable outside diameter directly affects pathway utilisation.

Therefore, cable OD should form part of the procurement decision rather than appear as an incidental datasheet value.

A compact cable can provide benefits in:

• Congested conduits.
• Existing pathways.
• Restricted pit entries.
• Long installation routes.
• Multi-cable conduits.
• Future expansion planning.

However, the cable still needs to meet the project’s environmental and mechanical requirements.

Consequently, the objective should not be to select the smallest cable regardless of construction.

Instead, engineers should seek the most efficient cable diameter that still delivers appropriate protection and performance.

Mistake 15: Ignoring the Internal Loose Tube Architecture

Not every loose tube fibre cable uses the same internal configuration.

Therefore, procurement teams should understand:

• Number of PBT loose tubes.
• Fibre capacity per tube.
• Maximum fibre count.
• Tube identification.
• Internal water blocking.
• Strength components.

The current RapidConnect® TR-Series architecture supports a maximum of six PBT loose tubes, with up to 12 optical fibres per tube.

Therefore, the architecture can support up to 72 fibres.

This information helps engineers plan fibre allocation, splicing and future capacity.

Furthermore, it prevents generic product descriptions or inaccurate illustrations from becoming substitutes for actual cable construction.

Mistake 16: Buying Only for Today’s Fibre Requirement

A project may need only 12 fibres today. However, the conduit route could remain valuable for decades.

Future network requirements may include:

• Additional buildings.
• CCTV.
• Access control.
• Industrial automation.
• Wireless infrastructure.
• Monitoring systems.
• Redundant connections.
• New operational technologies.

Therefore, spare fibre can provide significant long-term value.

Installing additional fibre during the original cable project may cost substantially less than installing another cable several years later.

Nevertheless, engineers should not automatically select the maximum fibre count.

Instead, they should assess current demand, realistic growth and the difficulty of future pathway access.

Mistake 17: Ignoring Future Conduit Capacity

Future-proofing involves more than installing spare fibres.

Conduit capacity also has strategic value.

An unnecessarily large cable may consume pathway space that future network expansion requires.

By contrast, compact Mini Loose Tube construction can preserve additional conduit capacity.

Therefore, engineers should assess:

• Existing conduit occupancy.
• New cable outside diameter.
• Future cable requirements.
• Bend geometry.
• Pulling clearances.
• Route accessibility.

Our guide to Designing 25-Year Fibre Optic Networks explains how spare fibre and preserved conduit capacity work together in long-term network planning.

Consequently, cable diameter becomes a lifecycle consideration rather than simply an installation measurement.

Mistake 18: Comparing Cables on Purchase Price Alone

Cable price is easy to see and easy to compare. However, it represents only one part of the network investment.

Whole-of-life cost may include:

• Cable purchase.
• Freight.
• Installation labour.
• Civil works.
• Testing.
• Maintenance.
• Repairs.
• Network outages.
• Future expansion.
• Replacement.

Therefore, the lowest cable price does not necessarily produce the lowest network cost.

For example, a larger cable may consume additional conduit capacity. Later, that lost pathway space could contribute to expensive civil works.

Likewise, inadequate environmental protection may increase maintenance or replacement risk.

Our guide to Mini Loose Tube Fibre Lifetime Cost examines this procurement issue in more detail.

Ultimately, procurement teams should compare whole-of-life value, not simply cost per metre.

Mistake 19: Ignoring Mechanical Performance

Installation exposes fibre optic cable to mechanical forces.

Therefore, relevant specifications may include:

• Tensile performance.
• Crush resistance.
• Minimum bend radius.
• Cable flexibility.
• Installation loading.

Therefore, ignoring these characteristics can create problems even when the cable satisfies every optical requirement.

For example, long conduit routes may produce significant pulling forces. Meanwhile, congested pits and occupied conduits can introduce localised compression.

Consequently, mechanical performance needs to reflect the actual route.

Our technical guide to Crush Resistance in Mini Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable explains why compressive loading forms an important part of complete cable selection.

Mistake 20: Treating Maximum Pulling Tension as a Target

A maximum tensile rating defines a mechanical limit.

It does not define the force installers should aim to reach.

Instead, good pathway design should minimise unnecessary pulling resistance.

Installers can achieve this through:

• Appropriate conduit geometry.
• Controlled bend accumulation.
• Correct drum placement.
• Cable guides.
• Suitable pulling equipment.
• Proper installation procedures.

Therefore, procurement teams should ask whether the proposed cable suits the route rather than simply confirming that the maximum tensile rating exceeds an estimated load.

Engineering margin matters.

Mistake 21: Forgetting Bend Radius During Pathway Design

Cable bend radius affects more than the installation crew.

It also influences:

• Conduit bends.
• Pit dimensions.
• Entry positions.
• Exit positions.
• Slack storage.
• Enclosure placement.

Therefore, engineers should consider bend radius while designing the pathway.

If the route forces the cable around a curve tighter than the manufacturer’s limit, selecting the correct cable cannot correct the underlying design problem.

Consequently, bend management should begin before construction.

This is especially important in congested or compact underground telecommunications infrastructure.

Mistake 22: Ignoring Installation Length

A short conduit section and a long telecommunications route create very different installation conditions.

As route length increases, friction, bends and conduit condition generally become more important.

Therefore, longer installations may require closer attention to:

• Pulling tension.
• Drum location.
• Intermediate pits.
• Bend accumulation.
• Conduit occupancy.
• Installation equipment.
• Cable handling.

Consequently, engineers should consider actual route length when evaluating cable suitability.

The cable specification and installation plan should support each other.

Mistake 23: Failing to Review Temperature Requirements

Temperature specifications can also create confusion.

Manufacturers may provide different limits for:

• Storage.
• Installation.
• Operation.
• Transport.

Therefore, procurement teams should avoid treating one temperature value as representative of every stage of the cable lifecycle.

Australian infrastructure can experience substantial temperature variation.

For example, cable drums stored outdoors may face different conditions from cable operating inside underground conduit.

Consequently, engineers should compare the relevant temperature specification against the actual project conditions.

Mistake 24: Ignoring Documentation

A technically strong cable still requires appropriate supporting documentation.

Depending on the project, procurement should request information such as:

• Product datasheet.
• Cable construction details.
• Optical fibre specification.
• Cable outside diameter.
• Mechanical characteristics.
• Temperature ratings.
• Water-blocking construction.
• Environmental protection.
• Installation requirements.
• Relevant test information.

Documentation helps engineers verify exactly what the supplier proposes.

Furthermore, it provides installers and future asset managers with a reliable technical reference.

Therefore, procurement should not accept a vague product description where detailed technical evidence is required.

Mistake 25: Accepting Ambiguous Supplier Substitutions

Specifications often permit “equal or equivalent” products.

However, the word equivalent becomes problematic if the project does not define what equivalence means.

Two cables might share:

• Fibre count.
• Fibre type.
• Approximate diameter.
• General application.

Nevertheless, their jacket construction, water blocking, environmental protection or mechanical characteristics may differ.

Therefore, any alternative product should demonstrate compliance against the complete technical specification.

Equivalent should mean equivalent in the characteristics that matter to the project, not merely similar in headline description.

Mistake 26: Failing to Coordinate Engineering, Procurement and Installation

Different project teams often focus on different requirements.

Engineers may concentrate on network performance. Procurement may focus on price and availability. Meanwhile, installers understand practical route limitations.

Problems arise when these groups work independently.

Instead, successful projects should connect:

Engineering + Procurement + Installation + Testing + Asset Management

For example, an installer may know that a particular conduit contains difficult bends. That information can influence cable selection before procurement.

Likewise, an engineer may require specific spare fibre or environmental protection that a contractor cannot infer from a generic cable schedule.

Therefore, coordination helps preserve technical intent throughout the procurement process.

Mistake 27: Assuming Premium Cable Can Correct Poor Infrastructure

Good cable construction cannot compensate for fundamentally poor pathway design.

Even a well-engineered Mini Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable can suffer damage if installers:

• Exceed pulling limits.
• Create sharp bends.
• Crush the cable.
• Damage the outer jacket.
• Force the cable through unsuitable conduit.
• Store slack incorrectly.
• Ignore damaged pits or pathways.

Likewise, water-blocking technology cannot repair failed drainage or damaged conduit.

Therefore, premium cable should complement good engineering rather than replace it.

The complete infrastructure system determines long-term performance.

Mistake 28: Ignoring Installation Testing

Procurement should define how the completed fibre network will be verified.

Depending on the project, commissioning may include:

• Optical loss measurements.
• Optical power testing.
• OTDR testing.
• Fibre identification.
• Documentation of results.

Testing confirms whether the installed network meets the project requirements.

Moreover, commissioning results create a valuable baseline.

If performance changes years later, technicians can compare current measurements against the original data.

Therefore, testing should form part of the specification rather than become an optional activity after installation.

Mistake 29: Ignoring Asset Identification and Records

A cable can perform perfectly while still becoming difficult to manage if the network owner cannot identify it later.

Therefore, specifications should consider long-term asset records.

Useful information can include:

• Cable route.
• Cable type.
• Fibre count.
• Fibre allocation.
• Pit locations.
• Joint locations.
• Termination points.
• Installation date.
• Test results.
• Spare fibres.

Over time, technicians and contractors change.

Consequently, good documentation protects institutional knowledge.

A well-documented network is easier to maintain, expand and troubleshoot.

Mistake 30: Failing to Consider the Asset Lifecycle

Procurement may take only a few weeks.

However, the installed cable and conduit infrastructure may remain in service for decades.

Therefore, specification decisions should consider the longer asset lifecycle.

Important questions include:

• Will the cable support future fibre growth?
• Does it preserve pathway capacity?
• Does the environmental protection suit the site?
• Can technicians maintain the network efficiently?
• Will accurate documentation remain available?
• How difficult would replacement be?
• What would network disruption cost?

This perspective changes the procurement question.

Instead of asking:

What is the cheapest cable that satisfies today’s requirement?

A better question is:

What cable construction best supports the network throughout its intended lifecycle?

That is a much stronger foundation for infrastructure procurement.

A Better Mini Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable Specification Checklist

Before issuing a request for quotation or approving a proposed cable, review the following areas.

Application

• Define the installation environment.
• Confirm duct or conduit use.
• Identify pit locations.
• Assess potential moisture exposure.
• Consider UV exposure.
• Assess termite risk.
• Review temperature conditions.

Optical Requirements

• Specify fibre category.
• Define fibre count.
• Consider G.657.A2 where appropriate.
• Allow for reasonable future capacity.
• Define relevant optical performance requirements.

Cable Construction

• Specify jacket materials.
• Confirm cable outside diameter.
• Review loose tube architecture.
• Confirm the number of PBT tubes.
• Confirm fibres per tube.
• Identify water-blocking technology.
• Review strength components.

Environmental Protection

• Assess UV exposure.
• Consider oxidative ageing.
• Evaluate termite risk.
• Consider moisture exposure.
• Match the cable construction to the actual environment.

Mechanical Requirements

• Review tensile performance.
• Confirm bend-radius requirements.
• Review crush resistance.
• Consider installation route length.
• Assess conduit bends and occupancy.

Documentation and Quality

• Obtain technical datasheets.
• Confirm product identification.
• Review relevant technical evidence.
• Define requirements for proposed alternatives.
• Establish commissioning and testing documentation.

Lifecycle Planning

• Consider future fibre growth.
• Preserve conduit capacity where practical.
• Plan maintenance access.
• Retain commissioning data.
• Evaluate whole-of-life value.

By applying this checklist, procurement moves beyond buying a commodity cable and becomes part of the network engineering process.

Australian Cabling and Project Requirements

Cable specification also needs to sit within the broader regulatory and engineering requirements that apply to the installation.

For customer cabling, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) provides information about Australian cabling standards and registered cabler requirements.

The ACMA Australian cabling standards page provides an appropriate Australian authority reference for understanding the regulatory framework surrounding customer cabling work.

In addition, individual projects may need to comply with other Australian Standards, engineering specifications, asset-owner requirements and site-specific controls.

Therefore, cable technology should support compliant engineering and installation rather than replace those requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions – Mini Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable Specification Mistakes

What Should a Mini Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable Specification Include?

A strong specification should address installation application, fibre type, fibre count, cable construction, jacket materials, water blocking, environmental protection, mechanical requirements, cable diameter, temperature limits, documentation and testing.

Is Fibre Count Enough to Specify Fibre Optic Cable?

No. Fibre count defines network capacity but does not define cable construction, environmental suitability, mechanical performance or installation characteristics.

Why Does Jacket Material Matter?

The outer jacket protects the internal cable from the installation environment. Therefore, polymer selection can influence abrasion resistance, UV performance, environmental durability and other characteristics.

Why Is Cable Diameter Important?

Cable diameter affects conduit occupancy, pathway capacity, installation clearances and future network expansion.

Should I Specify G.657.A2 Fibre?

Where improved bend performance is valuable, G.657.A2 bend-insensitive singlemode fibre can provide useful advantages. However, the complete cable must still remain within its specified bend limits.

How Many PBT Tubes Does the TR-Series Use?

The current RapidConnect® TR-Series Mini Loose Tube architecture supports a maximum of six PBT loose tubes.

How Many Fibres Can Each PBT Tube Contain?

Each PBT loose tube can contain up to 12 optical fibres, depending on the required configuration.

Should Underground Conduit Cable Include Water Blocking?

Where the route may experience moisture, water-blocking technology can provide important internal protection. However, it should complement good conduit, drainage and installation practices.

Should Procurement Compare Fibre Cables Mainly on Price?

No. Price remains important, but installation, conduit capacity, maintenance, replacement, future expansion and network disruption can have a greater impact on total cost.

Can I Accept an Equivalent Fibre Optic Cable?

Yes, provided the specification clearly defines what constitutes equivalence. However, any alternative should demonstrate that it satisfies the required optical, construction, environmental and mechanical characteristics.

Conclusion – Mini Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable Specification Mistakes

Mini Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable Specification Mistakes usually occur when procurement reduces a complex infrastructure product to a small number of headline characteristics.

Fibre count matters. However, fibre specification, jacket materials, water blocking, environmental protection, cable diameter, temperature limits and mechanical performance matter as well.

Furthermore, the network’s future requirements should influence today’s specification.

Spare fibre can support expansion. Compact cable construction can preserve conduit capacity. Appropriate environmental protection can reduce risk, while good documentation and testing can simplify maintenance for years to come.

Therefore, the strongest procurement process evaluates the cable as part of the complete network infrastructure system.

For outdoor conduit networks, that means aligning the cable construction with pathway conditions, environmental exposure, installation methods and long-term asset objectives.

When procurement defines those requirements clearly, cable selection becomes much more than choosing a product from a supplier catalogue.

Instead, it becomes an important part of engineering a reliable, scalable and maintainable fibre network.

For detailed construction information, fibre configurations and technical information, visit the RapidConnect® TR-Series Mini Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable Authority Hub.