Commercial & Residential Building Fiber Installation – Part 1
Installing fiber optic cable instead of copper wire for certain applications has advantages that are well known. Fiber can transmit a larger amount of data faster and over greater distances than copper, losing only minor signal strength over 100 meters. In addition, fiber has a longer service life than copper and requires little maintenance.
Consumer demand for speedier internet is driven by music and video streaming platforms and over-the-top (OTT) television bundles. As a result, service providers are reconsidering their strategies in terms of fiber cabling.
Network operators installing fiber optic cabling in residential or commercial buildings typically undertake the project in three phases as summarized below.
- Fiber optic cable needs to be run from the curb to the building.
- Next the cable must be routed from the basement to every floor in the building.
- Finally the cable must be run to individual areas or rooms.
Fiber to Premises
For an in-building fiber installation, the first phase usually involves running fiber cable from the curb to be connected to an outside distribution box. Then the fiber is brought inside the building.
In some locations around the world, operators install single fiber cables from an outside distribution box directly to each apartment in P2P (point-to-point) cable runs through ducts and on the building’s exterior walls. Next, it is inserted into an outdoor microduct, which is utilized for carrying the fiber upwards into an individual area or room of the building. Small apartment blocks that have 4 to 6 apartments or smaller commercial buildings with only a few offices are suitable for this type of P2P cable run system because it is cost-effective.
In contrast, medium or high-density complexes will be more suited for a staged installation. However, it will probably require a significant up-front investment. Either distribution frames or indoor optical distribution boxes, depending on the building’s architecture, must be installed. In addition, floor-level or buddy boxes need to be positioned on each floor. As a result, cable operators must invest thousands of dollars for equipment for each apartment building before even the first subscriber is signed up. In any case, this method usually turns out be more cost-effective than P2P over a medium to long-term period.
Part 2 will cover Taking Fiber Inside and Fiber to the Floor.
Progressive Office Cabling
Founded in 1986, Progressive Office’s success has been a direct result of years of commitment to seeking cost-effective solutions. Working together, Progressive teams are committed to getting your data cabling, access control, and telecom systems installed and operating while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call our toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.
