16 - Repair and maintenance

Abstract

It is noted that a fiber optic cabling project is not finished once it is installed; it is however just seen as a beginning to perform its primary function. It is significant to consider the repair and maintenance of the structure in order to achieve long life expectancy of the fiber optic cabling structure and the communications services. In context to repair, it is noted that the fastest response to failure is good design. If a cabling infrastructure is well designed the problems associated with cabling component or equipment failure is already considered and the fault analysis and action plan is therefore predefined. Thus, the customer has the right to ask for a repair contract from the cabling installer or from a third party. This approach combines design aspects and practical fault analysis issues. The design elements include spare optical fibers and dual redundant cable routes. The fault analysis techniques aims at initiating self-help amongst customers, thereby reducing the need for expensive fast response repair contracts which can never be used. Repair contracts should be seriously considered. The contents of such contracts vary with the type, size, and importance of the installation and the communications services offered.