For internet service providers (ISPs), a damaged fibre optic cable can be a nightmare. Disgruntled customers, lost revenue, and scrambling to locate and repair the issue – it’s a stressful situation. But what if there was a way to minimize downtime and streamline the repair process? Enter the fibre management system of record (FMS).
Fibre Optic Cables: Vulnerable to Vandals, Critters, and Accidents
Fibre optic cables are the backbone of modern internet connectivity. Yet, these crucial lines are susceptible to damage from a surprising range of sources. From intentional attacks to storm damage to animal activity, understanding the various risks can help mitigate disruptions.
Fibre Optic Cable Vandalism: A Serious Threat
A recent act of vandalism in France caused a widespread internet outage, highlighting the vulnerability of fibre networks to intentional damage. Multiple fibre optic cables were cut across France, affecting both landline and mobile service for many customers. French authorities are investigating the incident as a potential threat to national security.
Similar incidents have occurred across the globe, including this suspected case of fibre line vandalism in Connecticut. These attacks can cause major service disruptions and economic losses.
Fibre optic cables are not only targeted by humans but can face trouble from the animal kingdom as well:
Squirrels: Their relentless tooth-sharpening habits make them notorious chewers of aerial fibre cables. Hardened cables and barriers can deter them, but not always effectively.
Gophers: Burrowing gophers pose a threat to underground cables and drops. Burying cables deeper, encasing them in large sheaths, or surrounding them with gravel can help.
Birds: Large birds can damage the outer sheath of cables with their talons, while flocks cause sagging and stress.
Enter the Fibre Management System of Record (FMS)
What is a Fibre Management System of Record?
Think of an FMS as the central nervous system of your fibre network, storing detailed information about every fibre, acting as a central hub for managing and safeguarding your network’s valuable resources. This includes:
Fibre Tracing: Trace the exact path of each fibre, from your impacted service location to the ODF in the Central Office.
Connection details: See how each fibre is spliced and connected, allowing you to identify affected areas and isolate the problem.
Inventory data: Track fibre types, lengths, capacities, and any relevant test results – giving you valuable insights into potential weaknesses.
How Does an FMS Help During Network Damage?
When a cable break occurs, every second counts. VETRO’s FMS equips providers with the following advantages:
Faster Fault Identification: No more wading through mountains of paperwork or relying on tribal knowledge. VETRO’s FMS provides an OTDR geolocation for fast fault fix by pinpointing the exact location of the damage, saving valuable time in troubleshooting.
Improved Repair Efficiency: Field technicians can access real-time data on their mobile devices, allowing them to arrive prepared with the right tools and materials. This translates to quicker repairs and reduced customer downtime.
Enhanced Collaboration: An FMS fosters a collaborative environment. Dispatchers, technicians, and engineers can all access the same information, ensuring everyone is on the same page and working towards a swift resolution.
Proactive Maintenance: Detailed historical data within the FMS can help identify potential trouble spots before they cause outages. This allows for preventative maintenance, minimizing disruptions in the long run.
Beyond Damage Control
The benefits of an FMS extend far beyond just reacting to network damage. It can also:
Streamline Network Expansion: Planning new network routes becomes a breeze with readily available fibre availability data.
Boost Customer Service: Quickly respond to customer inquiries regarding service availability and troubleshoot individual connection issues.
Improve Network Performance: Identify bottlenecks and optimize network capacity for a smoother user experience.
A fibre management system of record is an invaluable tool for ISPs. It empowers them to react swiftly to network damage, minimize downtime, and ultimately, keep their customers happy and connected.
Request to see a demo of VETRO’s radically simpler fibre management platform HERE!
About VETRO
At VETRO, we believe visualizing data unlocks hidden potential, radically simplifying the way businesses operate and digitizing the future of connectivity. We focus on empowering network operators with unparalleled clarity and control over their fiber networks, enabling them to move faster, better, and more efficiently than ever before. Our revolutionary platform isn’t just software – it’s the physical network asset system of record, offering unprecedented visibility and control from strategic planning to daily operations. We empower our customers to bridge the digital divide at a rapid pace, unlock unforeseen opportunities, and squeeze the maximum value from their networks. Let’s illuminate the unseen, digitize the way we connect, and shape the future of connectivity, together.
