Distribution layer

Strategy

This is where you define the planning strategy at the distribution layer.

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In Germany, a direct cable to the building is usually planned from the distribution point at distribution layer. In the standard distribution-network strategy, a closure that connects the distribution-network cable to the drop cable is planned in front of the building. 

The maximum distance for the clusters is a soft planning parameter and defines the distance between the distribution point and the building.

Various options are available for positioning the distribution point.

If you want to specify the distribution point for an input cluster, this must be entered as an input layer point in the project.   

Distribution Point

The size of the distribution cluster is defined by the capacity of the distribution point.

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The capacity can be defined according to fibers, homes or cables.

Optional rules are possible and must be activated using the appropriate check boxes. The first restriction is applied.

Additional fiber requirements can be adjusted using the appropriate check box. 

Fiber throughout percentage (%)

 

This is where a additional fiber requirement percentage is defined in the subsequent feeder-cable layer. If the number is >100%, percentage additional spare fibers are planned at the feeder-cable layer.

Additional spare top fibers

Here, an exact number of additional fibers at the feeder-cable layer is defined.

Minimum top fibers

Each distribution point is connected with at least the number of fibers set here, even if the fiber requirement is lower. For example, the fiber requirement of the distribution point is 7 but minimum top fibers = 24, so the distribution point is connected to one 24-fiber cable or two 12-fiber cables.

 

Distribution Ducts

This is where the duct types available for planning in the distribution area and their handling are defined. Multiple entries can be defined. Depending on the fiber requirements of the buildings, the corresponding duct type is selected. One microduct per cable is required. Note that the cost per duct affects their use and thus the optimization result.

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Explanation of the column headers

Total Total number of microducts
Reserved Number of microducts to be reserved from the total, i.e., not to be used
Material/Labour Costs per meter
Duct Type

Conventional → if it is a single microduct

Microduct composite → used in bundles 

Outer diameter

The outer diameter can be entered here. 

Identifier

The name of the defined duct type can be entered here. This information is important when exporting to NET Engineering.

 

Use the check boxes to further specify the rules when planning the distribution layer.

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If existing empty ducts are to be included in the planning, the corresponding check box must be activated.

If a layer point at the distribution layer is to be reached by additional cables in the future, the number of cables must be communicated. The necessary additional microducts are then planned on this basis.  

Distribution Cables

Depending on the strategy at the distribution layer, the field for defining the cable types is displayed. This field is hidden for “Direct cable to the building”, “No seperate drop cable”.

Distribution Equipment 

Definition of the objects to be planned in the distribution point and definition of costs.

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Note

An identifier can be specified and provided with a price in the Costs tab.