Fiber optic drop cables are disclosed that are suitable for automated
preconnectorization. In one embodiment, an optical waveguide is disposed
in a buffer tube that has two strength components disposed on opposite
sides thereof and a plurality of strength members. The plurality of
strength members are disposed at a plurality respective interstices
located between the buffer tube and the two strength components and
shaped into a plurality of substantially triangular shapes for improving
the balancing of the residual stresses in the fiber optic cable caused by
the shrinkage of a cable jacket during cooling. In another embodiment, a
fiber optic cable includes a tonable lobe connected by a web that is
frangible and the web includes predetermined ratios for easily and
reliable separation of the tonable lobe.