WERNER DE WOLF ARCHITECTURE
Indexing architecture EASES DEPLOYMENT
of fibre access networks
C ustomers binge- stream video and social media apps at the same time. This pushes broadband to the limit and tests the public’s patience. This typical bahavior is why fibre to the home (FTTH) is so important; yet, it’s easier said than done. Typical FTTH deployments require extensive engineering and field measurement prior to deployment, and require heavy involvement of skilled fibre technicians during the construction phase. This drives up the cost and reduces the speed at which operators can deploy FTTH networks. Fibre indexing architectures allow for drastically reduced time needed to build an FTTH network and suppresses the need for skilled fiber technicians – all while guaranteeing the quality of the network. In fact, we’ve seen that indexing has the potential to reduce the amount of cable in the last mile by up to 70 percent. Moreover, this technology leverages standardised connectorised building blocks – indexed terminals with hardened multi-fiber optical connectors – allowing operators to optimise warehousing and stock management. There are usually two architectures in FTTH deployments, each facing twin challenges of deployment time and cost: ■ Star topology - Fibre splicing is done at the hub where individual cables are laid from the hub to each terminal. ■ Daisy-chain topology – Fibre cable is run through the streets and a hardened terminal is spliced onto the cable. It forces compromises in deployment time and the need for expensive, specialised labor. Indexing takes the best of both architectures to create a no-splice option that reduces deployment time and cost. Factory pre-terminated connectivity eliminates the need for splicing in the field. Starting with the first indexed terminal, the connectorised fibre cable stub is connected to the fibre distribution hub (FDH). From there, subsequent indexed terminals are daisy-chained together in a linear topology. The indexed terminal is equipped with factory-terminated, multi- fiber cable tails and connectors where some fiber strands are dropped, and the rest pass through unchanged. The dropped fibres can service PON subscribers, businesses, or cell site tra c. gaming, upload hours of vacation videos and use several
Indexing architecture leverages standard network building blocks allowing network operators to optimize both warehousing and stock management, writes Werner De Wolf.
WERNER DE WOLF
Several variations lay the foundation for a multi-service fiber access network that converge residential, enterprise and wireless backhaul/fronthaul tra c. By using the same components throughout the network, the network can be installed up to 75 percent faster than traditional deployment methods and with lower overall installation costs. Other benefits exist: Flexibility - There is little impact on signal strength, contrary to what may be expected from cascaded terminals. Low loss hardened connectors maintain good link budgets even to the end of the daisy- chain. Doubled fibre utilisation - By connecting the last terminal in the fibre run to any FDH, the network can then feed
the reverse path of the terminal to the subscriber’s drop cable port. Simple cable management - Indexing removes the need to shorten cable. Any remaining cable stays on the spool for less splicing, cable strain or kinks. Streamlined operations - There are fewer part numbers, simpler inventory management and faster maintenance. Factory-prepared cables and terminals ensure high-quality performance and prevent a technician from handling fibres and disturbing the signal during installation. The bottom line is that everyone communicates. But how we communicate is evolving. Enabling that transformation is the network, and fibre indexing is an innovative way to make sure it happens.
1x8
fiber # 1 2 3 4
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previous terminal
next terminal
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Figure: Indexed terminal connect in a daisy-chain topology
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| ISSUE 7 | Q3 2016
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