The method of the optical cable usability evaluation is proposed based on the performance indicators forecast in order to accurately assess whether the existing optical cable can be adapted to the high-performance optical equipment in the future.A model which can accurately predict the performance of the optical cable is first built.Then the method predicts the usability of the optical cable according to the requirements of the allowable loss range of the optical equipment based on the model.The accuracy and validity of the method is demonstrated via the experiment.The proposed method may provide reference and guidance to solve the problem of cable usability evaluation.