Cable trenches provide maximum physical protection for underground cable routing. Cable trays generally have lower installation costs than cable trenches. While they serve the common purpose of routing and securing cables, these systems differ in design, application, installation, and. Choosing between a cable tray and a cable trench helps keep cables safe, neat, and easy to manage. Cable trays are. Among the most widely used solutions are cable trench and cable tray systems, each designed to meet different needs based on the installation environment and specific requirements. Conduits: These are suitable for the last mile.