Fiber Construction Overview
Construction of a fiber optic network is a complex and lengthy process. Numerous contractors are involved and the entire process can take six to 12 months to complete, depending upon the length of the circuit, the terrain and soils, weather and other external factors. The following discussion covers the phases of construction along overhead and underground distribution lines.
You can see each step below:
OVERHEAD
1. Field Data Collection
After an in-house design of the fiber build, field engineers go to each pole to determine if any modifications are required in order to support the fiber and its associated steel strand.
2. Make-Ready Engineering
Engineers create construction prints showing where to move items at the pole to create more space, as well as where poles need to be changed out to add height or strength. During this time, inspectors will “ride out” the build to ensure all pre-registered locations will be included in the fiber build. This phase can take two to four weeks.
3. Make-Ready Construction
Line crews will change poles, move transformers from one side of the pole to another, move wires on the pole, add new anchors to the poles, and perform other work to allow the fiber to be placed later. The make ready construction phase can take four to twelve weeks depending on the size of the service area.
4. Fiber Construction
Fiber crews place steel strand from pole to pole, and return to place the fiber optic cable against the steel strand. A lashing machine is used to secure the fiber to the strand. Fiber construction can take four to eight weeks.
5. Mainline Splicing
Once the fiber is placed, splices will be made to the necessary cables at each point and placed in a secure enclosure that is mounted to the distribution pole. The splicing work can take another three to six weeks for the main lines.
6. Service Drop Construction
The next step is service drop construction. This work can be done in parallel with some of the earlier work, or it might be done after the main line fiber is in place. The drop crews extend the fiber from the nearest splice point on the main line to the pre-registered home or business and leave coils of fiber on the pole and on the structure.
7. Drop Splicing
After the service drop is constructed, splices will be made from the main line fiber to the pre-registered home or business. The drop splicing work can take another two to four weeks.
8. Installation
Once the service drop to the pre-registered home or business has been constructed and spliced, Firefly equipment will be placed on the side of the home or building. It is now time to schedule installation. A Firefly customer service representative will reach out via email and phone to schedule the installation.
UNDERGROUND
1. Field Data Collection
After an in-house design of the fiber build, field engineers visit the work site to determine if any modifications are required to support the fiber construction.
2. Engineering
Engineers create construction prints showing where conduit and fiber will be placed underground. During this time, inspectors will “ride out” the build to ensure all pre-registered locations will be included in the fiber build. This phase can take two to four weeks.
3. Fiber Construction
A Firefly contractor will pull fiber through the orange conduit that was installed in the ground adjacent to the power line. In many cases, the fiber path is along public rights of way.
4. Mainline Splicing
Once the fiber is placed, splices will be made to the necessary cables at each point and placed in an underground pedestal. The splicing work can take another three to six weeks for the main lines.
5. Service Drop Construction
The next step is service drop construction. This work can be done in parallel with some of the earlier work, or it might be done after the main line fiber is in place. The drop crews extend the fiber underground from the pedestal to the pre-registered home or business and leave coils on the structure.
6. Drop Splicing
After the service drop is constructed, splices will be made from the main line fiber to the pre-registered home or business. The drop splicing work can take another two to four weeks.
7. Installation
Once the service drop to the pre-registered home or business has been constructed and spliced, Firefly equipment will be placed on the side of the home or building. It is now time to schedule installation. A Firefly customer service representative will reach out via email and phone to schedule the installation.