Broadband Communities

OCT 2012

BROADBAND COMMUNITIES is the leading source of information on digital and broadband technologies for buildings and communities. Our editorial aims to accelerate the deployment of Fiber-To-The-Home and Fiber-To-The-Premises.

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Reducing the Cost Of MDU Fiber Deployment Service providers that build broadband infrastructure in MDUs must decide how far to push fiber into the network. Each architecture has its pros and cons, and each has its own fiber management issues to consider. By Brian Schrand ■ Clearfield Inc. T hough fiber to the home in multi- ple-dwelling-unit (MDU) build- ings is still not a mainstream tech- nology in the U.S. market, the industry has been deploying it for a number of years. After a decade of experience, man- ufacturers and providers are developing a better understanding of how to build fiber in MDUs. One thing is for certain: Unlike single-family units, MDUs can't be lumped into a single category. Tey're like fingerprints – each one is unique. As a result, several considerations must be addressed before deciding which ar- chitecture and products to use when de- ploying fiber to MDUs. Just like MDUs, some new FTTH technologies are unique. Manufactur- ers in each segment of the MDU mar- ket have changed the economics of de- ploying fiber. Many providers that built FTTH networks found that the biggest cost factor was labor. No matter which architecture is chosen, labor is roughly 70 percent of the cost of building an FTTH network. Te key to reducing labor cost is to improve the ease with which FTTH products are installed. FIBER TO THE WHAT? How deep should fiber be driven into a network? Tis can be a tough decision, and it depends on the answers to such questions as "What's the projected take rate?" "What network infrastructure is currently in place?" "What services will be offered, and what medium is needed to deliver them?" and "How fast a data connection will be offered?" A building's age, size and structure affect the choice of design. What is efficient for a four-unit MDU may not be the best choice for a 400-unit complex. Answers to all these questions, as well as the cost of labor, should determine the type of architecture and the prod- ucts chosen. Another factor commonly overlooked is how a property owner or homeowners association will react to a large-scale fiber build. An owner may not accept an invasive process and may require a less intrusive technology. Whatever is decided, try not to make the decision on the basis of capex versus opex. Both factors must be weighed to determine the best solution. Deployers who try to avoid capex at all costs find themselves in "pay-me-now-or-pay-me- later" situations. Each project requires a staff of plan- ners, engineers, field crews, construction workers and installation techs who are knowledgeable about the entire build and the services to be offered. Only if staff members fully understand the con- dition and age of the existing media, the services to be offered and the tech- About the Author Brian Schrand is the senior member of technical staff for Clearfield, a supplier of fiber management solutions for inside-plant, outside-plant and central-office applications. You can reach him at bschrand@clfd.net. 24 | BROADBAND COMMUNITIES | www.broadbandcommunities.com | OCTOBER 2012 nologies for delivering these services can they answer the question, "Should we drive fiber all the way to the unit?" CHOOSING A TECHNICAL ARCHITECTURE Because each MDU has its own nu- ances, networks may differ widely. A building's age, size and structure all af- fect the choice of design. What is effi- cient for a four-unit MDU may not be the best choice for a 400-unit complex. Surprisingly, larger MDUs tend to be easier to design and build than smaller ones. Tat's because larger buildings typically have pathways built into the structure for utilities, but smaller build- ings don't. If you are lucky enough to find that conduit has already been run in a build- ing, take additional steps to determine its condition and find out whether space is available for additional cables.

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