KEVIN BOURG, HFC NETWORK
Fig1. High-density fibre distribution systems maximise space in the head-end with manageable density
Fig3. A pre-connectorised CATV node assembly allows users to faster configure the system at the node location
The local convergence point (LCP) can be expensive, as it typically occupies grade-level space near pedestrian pavement and street corners and requires permitting and infrastructure work for placement. To deploy a converged
deployment and lower labour costs. Speed of deployment is key as competitive operators race to deploy next-generation architecture infrastructure in the same territory. With a shortage of technicians who can splice quickly and accurately, local talent capable of plugging in hardened, factory installed connections, also known as pre-connectorised solutions, tend to be easier to find. This “plug-and-play” capability enables three to four times more rapid provisioning with fewer installation teams, shortening time to revenue and minimising network disruption. As operators are faced with one of the largest rebuilds of an HFC plant, the use of these pre-connectorised solutions for fibre deep and node+0 can deliver up to a 30 percent reduction in the total cost of network ownership. By using a pre-connectorised node cable assembly for example, a technician can easily plug the assembly directly into the distribution network with zero splicing. Microcables, designed for installation in microduct systems using air-assisted installation methods, o er increased fibre density in a smaller cable diameter than standard loose tube cable. This cable technology is becoming more popular for its “pay-as-you-grow” approach; its capacity to reutilise blocked or congested ducts; and for enabling new deployment techniques such as micro trenching that reduce civil costs by 70% compared with traditional methods. Microcable technology also scores highly on installation speed and upgradability of fibre cable infrastructure. Recent versions of these cables eliminate the use of binders and water blocking materials for much faster mid- span access and to reduce the risk of bu er tube damage, since no sharp tools are necessary to access the optical fibres. A flame-retardant design on the other hand enables a seamless transition from the headend/primary node to the outside plant, eliminating the need for expensive transition points. Subscriber drops The customer drop portion of the network has the highest complexity of all the network points. For example, a
optical infrastructure faster and with minimal requirements, many operators use existing vaults and strands to deploy a small, sealed LCP solution. Even better, a fully integrated local convergence point enclosure (LCPE) combines optical power splitting, muxing, and splice capabilities into one space-saving unit for converged and deep optical networks. By integrating all aspects of the LCP into a single, sealed unit, savings are made on space, time and money. This design includes internal splicing capability, avoiding the need for a separate closure in the network. Sleek closure
drop cable must perform in a variety of environments like aerial, duct, façade, or direct buried and it has to be suitable for installation within subscribers’ living rooms. These design requirements – tough, small, easy on the eyes – drive innovation of drop cable designs with technician-friendly features and multipurpose capabilities. It is in the drop where pre- connectorised solutions deliver the biggest benefit. Here, where the number of connections reaches its peak, it is most important to reduce the time, cost and skill level of the installers. The aim is to achieve a fibre installation process similar in speed and complexity to a coax CATV install, and a combination of hardened and field-installable connectors makes this possible. These products can double the productivity of technicians compared to conventional spliced solutions. significantly with the introduction of new modulation techniques, higher deployed frequencies and increasingly congested upstream, all challenging the traditional blast and split. The relentless demand for bandwidth will continue to prompt innovation, and today’s cable operators have a larger toolset at their disposal to remain competitive. Operators’ choices will depend on individual business models and strategies. Once that decision is made, the next critical decision is selecting the right evolution path to help design a network that meets today’s needs and ensures seamless transition to the network of the future. Whatever your concerns – from an already highly congested headend/primary node, a shortage of skilled labour for fibre splicing, or possibly the deployment of higher-bandwidth solutions in congested ducts or MDUs – the right collaborator should be able to optimise the return on your next network upgrade. Conclusion Cable TV networks have evolved
designs can be deployed where needed, whether in a vault below ground, in a pedestal or aerially. This solution provides connectivity to address both point-to-point connections for service delivery downstream (either through installed WDM devices or through a pass- through fibre) and supports
Fig2.A fully integrated
local convergence point enclosure saves space, time and money
migration towards FTTH with integrated splitters supporting a traditional passive optical network (PON). Distribution network The distribution network provides a variety of network connectivity points so that subscribers can easily connect services. Traditional splice methods can be labour- intensive and costly. Newer methods using factory-terminated pre-connectorised components have proven to speed
Fig4. A pre-connectorised multiport allows users to literally plug the assembly directly into the distribution network
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ISSUE 13 | Q2 2018
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