As fiber-to-the-x (FTTX) architectures gain momentum as a means for delivering high-speed broadband services to homes and small businesses, many questions have surfaced regarding the best way to connect the large number of drop cables feeding into the network. Drop cables typically connect each optical network terminal (ONT) at the subscriber premise to a fiber access terminal where they are then connected to a main fiber distribution cable. | od J CL Above vs. Below Ground Drop Splicing Above vs. Below Ground Drop Splicing Considerations for Drop Cable Connections in the FTTX Network As fiber-to-the-x FTTX architectures gain momentum as a means for delivering high-speed broadband services to homes and small businesses many questions have surfaced regarding the best way to connect the large number of drop cables feeding into the network. Drop cables typically connect each optical network terminal ONT at the subscriber premise to a fiber access terminal where they are then connected to a main fiber distribution cable. The fiber plant will likely be built in one of two categories above ground aerial or below ground buried . With an aerial plant the service terminal is typically mounted on a stand or pole. In a buried plant the drop cable will be buried below the frost line. This paper will discuss the methods of service terminal access from a buried plant and the key considerations for selecting the method that best suits the service provider s requirements. To provide more detail regarding splicing or using connectors at the fiber access terminal ADC has published a previous paper that discussed the pros and cons for both see Splicing vs. Connectorization in FTTP Networks--released 9 21 04 . In this paper ADC points out that a connector pair is a better choice at any location where technicians will need to go on a regular basis to test turn-up and reconfigure services. At these locations a connector interface will provide both significant operational cost and time savings advantages over fusion splices. The fiber access terminal is one such location. Therefore connectorization is the most economical option. Hand Hole vs. Pedestal Access The two common methods for creating access points at the drop cable and distribution cable junctures are hand holes and pedestals. A hand hole is quite simply a hole in the ground that the technician can open to access the network. Hand holes are placed at any location .
