Feeder layer

Strategy

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

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You can choose between direct and shared cable. 

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

Various options are available for positioning the POP.

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  • No preference (optimize location)
    • The optimization ignores possibly specified network nodes and optimizes all locations
  • Reuse "CentralOffice" points from input
    • The optimization uses the (default) network node points on main level

Note

If you select "Reuse "CentralOffice" points from input", the central office must be specified for all clusters at the main level. Otherwise, for example, a (default) central office point that should actually only apply to 1 cluster will be used as the default (network node point) for all other clusters at the main level.

Central Office

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

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The capacity can be defined according to fibers and living units. As an alternative, the definition of the cluster size via the maximum distance is available for selection. The definition of the capacities of the cards and the frame or the ODF are important for calculating the number required in each case.

Feeder Ducts

This is where the duct types available for planning in the feeder layer and their handlings are defined. Multiple entries can be defined. Depending on the fiber requirements of the distribution point, 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. Another duct type can be created at any time using the “+” icon.

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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
Materials/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 feeder layer

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Define what is set and when if the blowing distance is exceeded. Possible structures are a handhole, manhole or cabinet. 

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

If a layer point at the feeder layer is to be reached by additional cables in the future, the number of cables must be communicated. Based on this quantity, the required number of empty ducts is provided.

Feeder Cables 

This is where the cable types to be used in the feeder layer and their handlings are defined. Multiple entries can be defined. Depending on the fiber requirement and the defined cable types, the corresponding duct type is then selected. One microduct per cable is required. Note that the cost per cable affects their use and thus the optimization result.

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Explanation of the column headers

Fibers per Cable Total Total number of fibers
Reserved Number of fibers to be reserved from the total, i.e., not to be used
Fibers per Bundle Total Number of fibers per bundle
Reserved of which bundles to be reserved
Cost Materials/Labour Costs per meter
Drum Length   Drum length
Cable Type   Underground or Aerial
Outer diameter  

The outer diameter can be entered here. 

Identifier  

The name of the defined cable 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 Feeder layer 

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You have the option of defining overlays as a percentage or with a fixed value.

Feeder 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.