The growing demand for faster and more reliable connectivity has led to an increase in fiber deployments in all geographies since it provides best-in-class speed and better quality compared to traditional copper-based networks.

Fiber enables improved speed, better reliability, and the ability to carry high bandwidth, making fiber the de facto standard for providing high-speed and quality connectivity.

However, implementing a Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) network demands careful planning and execution for it to succeed. A crucial factor is opting for the right type of installation: whether to go for aerial or underground fiber deployment. The decision will not only impact the project cost but also whether you would be able to realize the original objectives of the initiative.

Here are the pros and cons of both aerial and underground fiber deployments:

Aerial Fiber Network Deployment

Aerial fiber deployment involves installing optical cables above ground, typically utilizing existing infrastructure such as utility poles, towers, or other elevated structures to establish broadband networks.

  • Cost Effectiveness:

    A vital advantage of this type of FTTH deployment is that it is incredibly cost-effective since it doesn't require trenching or digging. The network operators typically utilize the existing street furniture, like telephone poles, to deploy the fiber optic cables.

  • Rapid deployment:

    Aerial fiber deployment is also the fastest way to deploy a network since it doesn't require time-consuming and labor-intensive digging. This kind of deployment is typically done in areas that already have some infrastructure, such as electricity poles, installed.

  • Accessibility:

    Aerial cables offer easier access for maintenance and repairs, allowing technicians to service them without extensive excavation. This results in quicker response times and reduced downtime when faults or damage occur.

Aerial Fiber Cable Deployment Challenges:

Aerial fiber deployment involves installing optical cables above ground, typically utilizing existing infrastructure such as utility poles, towers, or other elevated structures to establish broadband networks.

  • Vulnerability to Environmental Factors:

    Fiber optic cables suspended overhead are exposed to atmospheric conditions and must be protected from extreme weather, including wind, rain, and lightning, as well as potential damage from animals and birds. This means the cables must be insulated for extra protection, which demands more effort and increases costs. The strength and the tolerance of the cables need to be taken into account before the deployment.

  • Aesthetics and Rights-of-Way:

    In addition, the network operators are required to get permits (Right of Way – RoW) before attaching cables to the poles, which usually takes a long time and sometimes may require permission from multiple authorities. Additionally, some communities may object to the visual impact of overhead cables, leading to regulatory hurdles and aesthetics concerns.

  • Fragility:

    Another challenge with aerial fiber deployment is that it is fragile. It can strain and slump, especially under extreme weather conditions, leading to disruption. In addition, temperature variations can cause the cable to expand and contract. All this increases the maintenance expense of aerial fiber deployment. At the same time, since no digging is required, it is easier to carry out repairs.
Infographic_Advantages of Aerial Fiber Deployment

Underground Fiber Network Deployment

An underground fiber-based FTTH network involves setting up a broadband network by placing fiber cables beneath the ground. This approach is known to offer improved reliability compared to aerial implementations, which are more susceptible to weather and temperature changes.

  • Enhanced Protection:

    In contrast to aerial fiber deployment, underground fiber deployment is protected from weather-related impairment, thus making it more reliable. This is especially relevant for regions that experience extreme weather conditions, like snow.

  • Aesthetics:

    Buried or underground fiber deployment is also more aesthetic as they are not visible and don't block the city skyline.

  • Safety:

    Buried cables present less risk to the public since they are not vulnerable to accidental contact or disruptions from activities like construction or landscaping. Additionally, they are less susceptible to damage from vandalism or accidents.

Underground Fiber Cable Deployment Challenges:

  • Higher Costs:

    At the same time, underground fiber deployment is very expensive because of the effort and resources required for digging. The deeper a network operator has to dig, the higher the cost of deployment. This also means that if a fiber cable is damaged, the maintenance cost is high and takes a long time to repair. Buried fiber ensures improved physical security and protects against theft and cyberattacks.

  • Complexity:

    Underground deployment requires navigating existing utility lines, infrastructure, and geological features, which can complicate the installation process and cause delays.

  • Maintenance Challenges:

    Although underground cables are protected from environmental factors, accessing and repairing them can be more labor-intensive and time-consuming compared to aerial cables.

Moreover, underground fiber eliminates the effects of atmospheric conditions and radio frequency noise, ensuring more reliable and higher-quality transmission. This is particularly crucial in areas near airports and power lines, where signal interference can significantly degrade network performance.

Advantages of Underground Fiber Deployment: (Infographic Content)

  • - Improved reliability
  • - Better aesthetics
  • - Enhanced Security

The Terrain Factor

The terrain and the existing infrastructure are significant factors in deciding whether to go for aerial or underground fiber deployment. For instance, it will be better to install aerial fiber deployment in urban settings, which typically have existing electricity and telephone poles. Similarly, rocky terrain means underground fiber would be tough to install.

Both aerial and underground FTTH deployments come with unique advantages and disadvantages. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and it is crucial to evaluate both options on a case-by-case basis.

In Closing

Over the last few years, fiber has emerged as a technology of choice to provide a cost-effective and high-performance broadband network. Opting for the right FTTH deployment model is critical to ensure successful fiber deployment that not only provides best-in-class quality now but is also scalable and future-proof to serve upcoming needs as well.

In the realm of FTTH applications, the choice between aerial and underground fiber optic cable deployment depends on various factors, including cost, speed of deployment, reliability, aesthetics, and community preferences. By carefully weighing these considerations and adopting a flexible approach that combines the strengths of both methods, we can ensure the seamless implementation of FTTH networks, transforming homes into hubs of high-speed connectivity and digital innovation.

FAQs

The choice between overhead and underground fiber optic cables depends on various factors. Overhead cables are easier and cheaper to install and maintain, but they are exposed to environmental risks like weather and animal damage. Underground cables, while more expensive and complex to install, are protected from weather and interference, offering more reliable transmission.

Generally, fiber optic cables specifically designed for aerial use are not suitable for underground deployment due to different construction and protective requirements. However, some hybrid cables are designed to work in both environments. It’s essential to use the appropriate type of cable for each installation to ensure durability and performance.

The main disadvantages of underground fiber optic cables include higher installation costs, complexity due to navigating existing infrastructure and geological features, and more labor-intensive and time-consuming maintenance and repairs.

Underground fiber optic cables are typically designed with additional protective layers, such as thick jackets, water-blocking materials, and armor, to withstand the harsh underground environment. They often have a rugged appearance compared to aerial cables to protect against moisture, pressure, and other subterranean challenges.