An optical cable is manufactured in a single continuous process starting directly from at least an optical preform, by means of a fiber/cable integrated manufacturing line including a fiber(s) drawing assembly for the production of one or more optical fibers from respective optical preforms, and a cabling assembly for producing the optical cable from the optical fiber(s), the cabling assembly comprising a fiber buffering assembly for the application of a loose or tight coating to the optical fiber(s), and a strengthening and sheathing sub-assembly for applying one or more reinforcing and protective layers to the buffered optical fiber(s).