A fiber optic cable having a plurality of buffer tubes and filler rods or filler
tubes disposed between the inner surface of the outer jacket of the fiber optic
cable and the buffer tubes. The buffer tubes contain a plurality of optical fibers.
The filler rods have a non-round core surrounded by a superabsorbant water swellable
coating to provide protection for the optical fibers against the penetration of
water within the cable. The filler rods and filler tubes are made of a solid or
porous or foam-type material expanding in the presence of water.
