Improper placement of telecom infrastructure: difficulties and problems for operators and consumers
In the previous article, we addressed an extremely important topic concerning the essence of proper laying of telecommunications infrastructure. This topic is worth noting, especially for individuals conducting businesses in the telecommunications industry. We, as the manufacturer of Blue Dragon Jet fiber blowing machines, along with our clients, are well aware of the issues and difficulties posed by poorly laid telecommunications infrastructure that every contractor encounters. Therefore, it is worthwhile to prepare for it and learn what to expect. Such information will help respond correctly to the problem and find solutions more easily.
As we have repeatedly mentioned in our publications, one of the key elements of telecommunications infrastructure is the telecommunications ducting, which is responsible for concealing and protecting cables and conduits. Unfortunately, improperly laid ducting can generate a series of difficulties and problems that adversely affect the quality of telecommunication services and their maintenance costs. The correctness, as mentioned, begins at the design stage.
The importance of proper telecommunications ducting design: The key to durable and efficient telecommunications infrastructure
Correctly laying ducting during the design stage, taking into account all conditions such as terrain, development plans, climate, etc., is a crucial step in ensuring durable and efficient telecommunications infrastructure.
Adaptation to terrain conditions is the first factor that designers must consider. Each location has its unique terrain features, which can have a significant impact on telecommunications ducting design. Mountainous areas, marshy terrain, areas with high groundwater pressure – each of these conditions requires an individual approach and appropriate adjustment of infrastructure. Proper consideration of these conditions during the design stage helps avoid problems related to erosion, landslides, or channel flooding.
Cities and towns are growing at a rapid pace, so another aspect is undoubtedly planning for development and expansion. Dynamic technological advancements require telecommunications networks to be constantly modernized and expanded. Properly designing telecommunications ducting with development plans in mind allows for flexible and scalable infrastructure deployment, enabling easy adaptation to changing needs and requirements.
Climate can also be important, especially regarding the depth of ducting and the materials used. Extreme weather conditions such as high temperatures, rainfall, snow, or hurricanes can pose serious challenges to telecommunications infrastructure. Properly designing telecommunications ducting considering these conditions helps minimize the risk of damage and failures, translating into network stability and reliability.
Telecommunications ducting can have a significant impact on the natural environment, especially if improperly designed and executed. Proper consideration of sustainable development principles during the design stage allows for minimizing the negative impact of telecommunications infrastructure on the environment, such as optimal land use or the use of ecological materials.
Costs are also not insignificant, as every private or public investor knows. Properly designing telecommunications ducting during the planning stage allows for cost optimization of investments. Conscious consideration of all conditions and factors that may affect infrastructure helps avoid unnecessary costs associated with subsequent repairs or upgrades.
Assuming that the project has considered everything correctly, it remains to be hoped that the execution will also be flawless, but this is not always the case. Let’s explore some basic issues that can be encountered with the use of poorly laid ducting.
- Cable damage.
One of the main problems of improperly laid telecommunications ducting is cable damage. Sharp edges, improper channel slope, or insufficient space can cause mechanical damage to cables during the laying process or during subsequent maintenance work. Damaged cables lead to data transmission disruptions, which in turn can cause service unavailability for users.
- Electromagnetic interference.
Improperly laid telecommunications ducting may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference from external sources, such as high-voltage lines or electrical devices. Such interference can negatively affect the signal quality in cables, leading to reduced throughput or even complete loss of connection.
- Congestion and overload.
Improperly planned and executed telecommunications ducting can lead to congestion and overload in the network. Insufficient space in the channels can impede the free flow of cables, leading to excessive strain and overload on the infrastructure. This can result in slowed data transmission or even complete network failure.
- Difficulty in diagnosis and repair.
When telecommunications ducting is improperly laid or inadequately marked, repairing damage becomes much more difficult and time-consuming. Incorrectly located cables can be difficult to locate, prolonging the time needed to find and repair damage.
- Operating costs.
All the above-mentioned problems lead to increased operating costs for telecommunications infrastructure. The need for more frequent repairs, maintaining a higher number of maintenance personnel, and keeping spare parts increases the operational costs of telecommunications operators, which can ultimately lead to higher service prices for end-users.