Colored optical fibers are placed into a loose tube made of high-modulus material, which is filled with thixotropic water-blocking gel. The core of the cable consists of a metal strength member. The loose tube(and filling rope)is twisted around the central strength member to form a circular cable core. Gaps within the cable core and between the cable core and the steel tape are filled with water-blocking gel. After longitudinal wrapping with coated aluminum tape and extrusion of a polyethylene inner sheath, the cable is wrapped with coated steel tape and extruded with a flame-retardant outer sheath