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.
Issue link: https://bbcmag.epubxp.com/i/325023
12 | BROADBAND COMMUNITIES | www.broadbandcommunities.com | MAY/JUNE 2014 PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Time to deploy: 60 days, following a year of research Date services delivered: October 2013 Special requirements: Enough bandwidth to provide 50 X 50 Mbps and serve all common-area bandwidth needs SERVICES Services ofered on the network: High- speed Internet access with a top speed of 100 Mbps; common-area wireless Provider choice: DirecPath and Comcast ofer both video and Internet access. Do the competing service providers operate separate broadband networks or deliver services over the network described? DirecPath and Comcast have cable distribution systems in the building. Each company has its own riser, but they share the coax. Neither provides services over the network described here. Technical support: 24/7 Internet tech support from Ritecom Group, a company hired by the condo association. When a resident calls Te Brookwood Broadband number, a tech will call back within 30 minutes. If a visit is needed (which is rare), it is made the same day or, if the call is made after 6 p.m., the next day. BUSINESS Which parts of the network are owned by the service provider, and which parts are owned by the property owner? Te property owns the system and leases the equipment through its telecom support company. Is Internet access provided on a bulk basis? Yes, residents are charged $22 for 50 Mbps symmetrical Internet access as part of their monthly condominium fees. To upgrade to a higher tier of Internet access, a resident calls the service number and requests the additional speed. Residents with upgraded service are billed individually, and in most cases the upgrade can be done without reentering the unit. Network benefts: Te system increases condo property values because it is the fastest bulk building in the area. TECHNOLOGY Broadband architecture: Fiber to the foor with Cat 5 cable to each unit Methods for running cables vertically within buildings: Simple fber riser system through existing cores Vendors/products used: Juniper equipment for fber backbone LESSONS LEARNED What was the biggest challenge? Getting existing providers to agree to our terms What was the biggest success? Installation of the system was well-coordinated and easy, and transitioning all residents from 2 Mbps to 50 Mbps with no latency delighted residents. What feedback does the leasing/sales ofce get from residents/guests? Residents are very happy to pay $22 for 50 x 50 Mbps, and they are satisfed with the customer service, whose response time is that of a business with a critical circuit. What should other owners consider before they get started on a similar deployment? Learn your existing infrastructure and know what can be done with it to reduce costs. Find a reliable business-class telecom company that can install and service equipment. v Masha Zager is the editor of BroadBand C ommunities. You can reach her at masha@bbcmag.com. A 10 Gbps fber backbone delivers Internet signals to Ethernet switches throughout the building. BBC_May14.indd 12 5/29/14 9:15 AM