FTTx Deployment, Monitoring & Maintenance
In the telecom sector, optical fiber cable is a more reliable transmission medium. Optical fiber cable has been serving its purpose well for a long time, but there does exist a noticeable flaw in it. The flaw is that optical fiber cable is susceptible to unexpected breakdowns that require mobilization and rapid and efficient repairs. The FTTH network problems require immediate access to fix them.
How is Fibre to the X Deployed?
Customer requirements in the telecom sector are growing at a faster pace. Demanding not only better optical connectivity but also stringent KPIs to address the FTTH network problems. The diagram below discusses industry-standard KPIs required to resolve scaled FTTH network requirements.
Fiber to the X Monitoring and Maintenance:
Planning should go into Fibre to the X (FTTx) maintenance and operations and contracts should be arranged properly to make sure appropriate levels of manpower are available when called upon. Here are some planning guidelines:
Engineers and technicians must have experience and be well acquainted with underground fiber laying, knowledge of aerial duct, and cable network systems. This all is required for nest practices and workflow studies.
It is also important to liaison with local authorities and carefully plan the installation of the FTTx network as will result in safe and efficient operations. It is also important to have power supply services from local authorities.
In the area where fiber has to be deployed, there must be complete safety. Some steps to be taken in this direction include the use of caution signboards, a copy of the local authority’s permission letter, and properly organized traffic signals.
Complete air and oxygen tests should be carried out before entry inside the manhole. Technicians must use proper ventilation if necessary. Technicians and labor working underground on the FTTx project are required to have in operation gas warning equipment that continuously monitors levels such as toxic, flammable, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.
In case of detection of flammable gas, the local Fire Service must be contacted immediately. Before starting the work on all existing electrical cables, technicians should inspect for the possibility of damage and exposed conductors.
