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Episode 10: Fiber Optic Closure Specs Explained…

Food for Thought from Our 2022 ICT Visionaries

 Smaller jumper diameters (1.2mm vs 3mm) are also helping to reduce cable pile up as are the usage of MPO capable jumpers. The MPO is an attractive option because it provides a plug-and-play 12- or 24-fiber jumper. By using these cable assemblies, an operator reduces cable pile up by running 1 jumper instead of 12 individual jumpers. That’s a pretty simple math problem to solve.

Challenge 2: Permitting and the Local Government

Most locations where an endpoint is placed (small cell, DAS antenna, etc.), requires some sort of permit. It might even require multiple permits such as build permits, electrical permits, and zoning permits. 

Acquiring these permits requires local authorities. Small cities and towns have limited resources for this — they typically have only 1 person in this capacity. When a service provider network planner or designer calls for 50 to 100 sites where they expect to place network elements such as fiber distribution hubs (FDH), the permitting entity can easily be overwhelmed. This causes delays and adds to the cost of the build. Now what? 

One way that operators are attempting to reduce the need for permits is to place network elements such as FDH on existing aerial strands that avoid permitting. For example, placing the FDH on a concrete pad requires right-of-way (ROW) permitting. Deploying the FDH on a utility pole involves both permitting and recurring pole attachment fees. 

Instead, designers can place an aerial FDH on their existing strand and locate the FDH where it best serves their needs (as opposed to where the zoning inspector allows them to be placed). And since there is no need for zoning, this eliminates the need for permitting, saving both money and, maybe more importantly, time. A bonus is that an aerial FDH can be installed in as little as a few hours (including the splicing) as opposed to weeks. (See Figure 1.) 

Figure 1. StreetSmart Aerial FDH

Small cell deployments will likely still need permitting. However, innovations such as strand-mounted small cells, and decorative poles instead of wooden poles, are making the aesthetic impact on neighborhoods much more palatable. This drives the need for small, sealed solutions for both power and the fiber. Gone are the days of the large metal boxes mounted on wooden poles/stubs in communities that care about aesthetics.

Challenge 3: Fiber Exhaust

In those network locations where it is neither logistically nor economically feasible to over build the network, designers can elect to use passive Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) technologies. Both Coarse (CWDM) and Dense (DWDM) components can provide much needed relief in locations where existing route fiber is in short supply. These can provide 18 channels (wavelengths) in CWDM and up to 80 channels in DWDM over a single fiber. 

These optical components can also be used at small cell locations to provide service to multiple wireless companies using just 2 fibers instead of 8 — by simply assigning a different channel to each of them. In the CO/headend, these components are typically rack mounted, while in the field they reside in splice closures, pedestals, or FDH’s, which are typically hardened and built to withstand harsh temperatures.

Challenge 4: Shrinking Labor Pool

Figure 2. FTTH deployment

While the concept of a shrinking labor pool is not new, the problem has increased. With more people working from home, the demand for more endpoints in both wireless and wireline are increasing.
That drives the need for products and technologies that can be easily deployed with fewer resources.

Plug-and-play methodology and associated products have helped to greatly reduce both the skill set and time it takes to deploy a network. As an extension to that, Home Deployment Kits (HDK) have helped create a "no touch" product installation for homeowners. These types of advancements have become increasingly popular with all the health fears COVID-19 has created. The added benefit of quick and easy installations will pay dividends to installers moving forward as well.

Leveraging this installation methodology helps reduce the time and crew size needed for network terminals and subsequent fiber drops. Reducing installation time allows a service provider to take on even more projects faster — generating more revenue. (See Figure 2.) 

Edging Into the Future

An additional reality providers are addressing early in 2021 is Edge Computing. While this has not been fully defined, applications like augmented reality, virtual reality, and autonomous vehicles require the network to eliminate latency for these millions to now billions of endpoints to work. And in the case of autonomous vehicles, it is very much a life or death consideration. 

By placing active cabinets out in the network closer to small cells, computing and process gear can be closer and more effective. Environmental considerations such as heating and cooling as well as fiber management in these cabinets needs to be addressed just like their counterparts in the Central Office/Headend, albeit on a smaller scale.

By addressing the 4 challenges outlined here, providers create a framework allowing them to embrace edge computing in 2021. As with everything, a strong foundation allows providers to progress from millions to BILLIONS of endpoints in the wireless and wireline architectures.