Fiber-Coax Networks Face Powering and Performance Challenges

Strategic Insights -

Telco industry's adoption of fiber-coax networks has led to concerns about the costs of powering and performance capabilities of such networks. Experts warn that there are challenging aspects of fiber-coax networks that are not yet apparent, and that determining the most prudent path to take from an economic perspective is crucial. Different approaches, such as fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC) or fiber-copper networks, have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the industry is expected to engage in a wide-ranging debate about how to lower network powering costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fiber-coax networks present powering challenges, with labor costs ranging from $300 to $500 to install power systems, and standby power system supplies costing around $1,500 with batteries and other expenses included.
  • Telcos and cable TV companies weigh in on the topic, with Time Warner Cable's Paul Gemme stating that fiber-coax networks are highly reliable, with service calls and line-associated problems dropping down to virtually nothing.
  • Ando Corp.'s Mike Griffin highlights the complexity of powering fiber-coax networks, noting that numerous trade-offs exist when comparing fiber installation costs with fiber-fiber and fiber-and-copper networks.
  • Southwestern Bell's George Kubes expresses doubts about the significance of powering issues in coax networks, suggesting that telcos may not need to reinvent the wheel and can use existing cable TV power approaches.
  • The hybrid fiber-coax architecture is questioned by some experts, with concerns about upstream bandwidth, digital network requirements, and the need for a new powering system.

Statistics:

  • Labor costs for installing power systems in fiber-coax networks: $300-$500.
  • Cost of a non-standby power supply: $300.
  • Cost of a standby power system supply, including batteries and other expenses: $1,500.
  • Bandwidth capacity offered by hybrid architectures: up to 1 GHz.
  • Number of network rebuilds by Time Warner that offer 1 GHz capacity: all.

Sources:

  • FON, May 9, pp. 1-8
  • Interview with Howard Lemberg, director of integrated access network research with Bellcore
  • Interview with Paul Gemme, vice president of plant engineering, Time Warner Cable
  • Interview with Mike Griffin, general manager, Ando Corp.
  • Interview with George Kubes, area manager of transmission equipment engineering, Southwestern Bell