Broadband Applications & Construction Manual BOS BrightPath Optical Solutions TM ®
Table of Contents BrightPath® Installation Guide Table of contents Section 1................ Introduction Section 2................ Safety standards Section 3................ BrightPath cables and components - a system overview 3.1 Direct system overview 3.3 Node-based system overview 3.5 Cables 3.6 Components Section 4 ............... Before installation 4.1 Moving and storing reels 4.2 Route survey Section 5 ............... Distribution cable - buried installation 5.
0.2 Table of Contents BrightPath® Installation Guide Table of contents Section 7................. Optical node installation 7.1 Node description 7.2 Node installation Section 8 ................ Optical tap installation 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Midspan entry 8.3 Splicing equipment 8.4 Splicing 8.5 Fiber arrangement and testing Section 9 ................ Drop and NID/NIU installation 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Planning the drop 9.3 Attachment examples 9.
Table of Contents Forward How to use the BrightPath® Installation Guide The BrightPath Installation Guide is written for the cable installation professional who is preparing their system to bring fiber optics over the ‘last mile’ to the subscriber’s residence. The BrightPath Fiber To The Home (FTTH) system is the next step in CommScope’s Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) architecture.
2.1 Safety Overview Installation safety issues Construction of a broadband cable system requires a substantial amount of manpower, tools and equipment. Underground and aerial construction will expose the manpower, tools and equipment to hazards, dependent on field conditions and circumstances. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a qualified employee as “any worker who by reason of training and experience has demonstrated his ability to safely perform his duties.
BrightPath® Cables and Components Direct system overview BrightPath system - direct connection for up to 12.4 miles (20 km) The BrightPath solution starts at the point where the HFC fiber normally transitions to coaxial distribution cable. If the distance from the headend to the furthest subscriber is 20 km or less, the BrightPath system can be spliced directly to the fiber at the transition point.
3.2 BrightPath® Cables and Components Direct system overview A BrightPath direct system installation typically happens in three phases: Distribution cable installation and pedestal placement A cabling crew installs the distribution cable/fiber optic cable in conduit (FOCIC) and places the pedestals. Splicing the fiber at the tap A splicing crew follows them and splices the fiber to the headend connection and the taps.
BrightPath® Cables and Components Node-based system overview BrightPath system - node-based connection for up to 21.7 miles (35 km) The BrightPath node-based solution starts at the point where the HFC fiber normally transitions to coaxial distribution cable. An optical node amplifies the optical signal coming from the headend and distributes it to as many as eight fiber ports. Each port delivers enough signal to serve 32 homes, for a total of 256 subscribers.
3.4 BrightPath® Cables and Components Node-based system overview A BrightPath node-based system installation typically happens in three phases: Distribution cable installation and pedestal placement A cabling crew installs the distribution cable/fiber optic cable in conduit (FOCIC) and places the pedestals. Splicing the fiber at the tap A splicing crew follows them and attaches/powers the node and splices the fiber to the node and taps.
BrightPath® Cables and Components Cables BrightPath cables Distribution cable options DA/BP BrightPath DA/BP cable, an armored cable with a central tube design, is used for direct burial or in buried conduit. These are robust cables with proven field record. BrightPath DF/BP is a central tube cable with a flat design supported by twin fiberglass-reinforced plastic support members. It can be directly buried, buried in conduit or installed aerially.
3.6 BrightPath® Cables and Components Components BrightPath components Tap enclosure and optical tap module The tap enclosure consists of three main sections; a distribution side for connection to the network, a drop side for connection to the residence and, sandwiched between them, the optical tap module.
Before Installation Moving and storing reels Cable and components storage and handling Cable storage While both the cable and fiber optic cable in conduit (FOCIC) are built to work in buried environments, they should be stored in a covered location where the temperature range is no greater than -40° F to +158° F (-40° C to +70° C). Reels are shipped on pallets and should remain on them until ready to install. Moving reels Unpalleted reels can be moved by rolling on their flanges or with a forklift.
4.2 Before Installation Route survey Route survey Prior to installation, a careful route survey should be done to determine the best path for the distribution cable and the location for the optical taps. BrightPath® permits a great deal of flexibility in installation. The singlemode fiber architecture permits runs of miles without the need for amplification. The taps are passive devices, so power is only needed at the optional node and at the residence.
Underground Distribution Cable Installation Overview Buried installation of BrightPath® distribution cable BrightPath cable can be either directly buried or buried as fiber optic cable in conduit (FOCIC). It can be plowed into position using a vibratory plow or buried in a trench. Buried BrightPath cable should be installed at least 18 in. (45 cm) deep, and deeper if the frost line is farther down. For vibratory plowing instructions, see pages 5.2 to 5.3. For trenching instructions, see pages 5.4 to 5.8.
5.2 Underground Distribution Cable Installation Vibratory plowing Vibratory plowing cable/FOCIC CommScope strongly recommends a professionally-engineered single or double feed tube plow blade with a tube at least 1/2 in. (13 mm) larger than the largest cable size and a radius of 12 in. (30 cm) or larger. At minimum, an operator and a helper/feeder are needed for a plowing installation. Because terrain and soil types vary, contact your plow manufacturer for their equipment recommendation.
Underground Distribution Cable Installation Vibratory plowing Vibratory plowing cable/FOCIC - preparing pedestal locations Stop the plow at each pedestal location. Draw at least 15 feet (4.6 m) of cable/FOCIC through the plow blade. Twist the loop so that the cable/FOCIC crosses itself at ground level. The top of the loop will be head-high on an average-sized person. Plowing may now continue to the next pedestal location.
5.4 Underground Distribution Cable Installation Trenching for 1000 feet or longer Trenching cable/FOCIC - runs of 1000 feet (304 m) or longer This technique is recommended for runs of 1000 feet (304 m) and longer, but can be used for shorter runs as well. The length of the cable/FOCIC should be the length of the trench PLUS 15 feet (4.6 m) for every pedestal. Leave sufficient cable/FOCIC at the upstream end to permit connection to the splice point.
Underground Distribution Cable Installation Trenching for 1000 feet or longer Conduit removal and placing the pedestal Cut and remove the conduit If placing FOCIC, mark two ring cut locations on the conduit 14 feet (4.3 m) apart or 7 feet (2.1 m) from the center of the loop. Use a ring cutter to cut the conduit. Slit the conduit between the ring cuts with a mechanical conduit slitter. Remove the cut conduit. Place the pedestal If placing FOCIC, leave about 6 in.
5.6 Underground Distribution Cable Installation Trenching for 1000 feet or less Trenching FOCIC - runs of less than 1000 feet (304 m) This technique is used for runs of less than 1000 feet. The length of the cable/FOCIC should be the length of the trench PLUS 15 feet (4.6 m) for every pedestal. Leave sufficient cable/FOCIC at the upstream end to accommodate termination to the splice point.
Underground Distribution Cable Installation Trenching for 1000 feet or less Trenching FOCIC - runs of less than 1000 ft (304 m) Cut and remove the conduit If placing FOCIC, ring cut the conduit at the midpoint of the half loop. Mark the upstream/headend end of the conduit with several wraps of tape. Back-pull at least 15 feet (4.6 m) of cable out of the conduit or the same amount of cable. Twist the cable loop so that the cable crosses itself at ground level.
5.8 Underground Distribution Cable Installation Trenching for any distance Trenching cable - runs of any distance This technique may used for cable runs of any distance. The length of the cable should be the length of the trench PLUS 15 feet (4.6 m) for every pedestal. Leave sufficient cable at the upstream end to accommodate termination to the splice point.
Aerial Distribution Cable Installation Overview Aerial installation of BrightPath® distribution cable While buried installation is the preferred method for placing BrightPath distribution cable, aerial installation is possible. Insulated gloves should be worn by all personnel that are in contact with BRIGHTPATH cables until the conductive component of the cable is bonded to the grounding network. Take care to ensure that construction personnel do not use bare hands to touch the messenger or cable.
6.2 Aerial Distribution Cable Installation Drive-off/moving reel set-up Aerial installation - drive-off / moving reel set-up and lashing Trailer set-up Pay the cable off the top of the reel rotating toward the rear of the cable trailer. Use minimal reel braking. Attaching the lasher, set-up chute and cable Attach a lashing wire clamp to the strand far enough from the initial pole to accommodate the splice closure or the node.
Aerial Distribution Cable Installation Drive-off/moving reel and leaving cable at the pole Aerial installation - drive-off / moving reel - passing the pole Passing the pole Attach a lashing wire clamp far enough from the pole to accommodate the tap. Open the lasher gates. Disconnect the set-up chute, pusher and lasher and pass them across the pole-face. Place them on the unlashed strand and reassemble them. Close the lasher gates.
6.4 Aerial Distribution Cable Installation Overlashing Installation - overlashing existing cable Overlash cable placement Overlashing cables onto existing cable plant is similar to installing cable onto new strand. However, there are some unique aspects: A sag and tension analysis should be performed to see if the new cable load will overwhelm the strand. Use special overlash cable puller blocks and continuously maintain and monitor the pulling line tension.
Optical Node Installation Node description Optical node attachment for node-based systems NOTE: Proceed to Section 8 if installing a direct system. The optical node splits optical signal from the headend into eight ports and amplifies it for transmission along the BrightPath® cable. The node is connected to fiber input and output by a service cable. The service cable is connectorized at one end for attachment inside the node case.
7.2 Optical Node Installation Node installation Optical node installation outline Ground the node prior to opening it. A split-bolt grounding nut is provided. For pedestal mounting, the grounding nut is attached to either of the strand clamp mounting holes. For strand mounting, the grounding nut is attached to the base. General instructions The following is an outline for installing and powering the node. The diagram has been simplified for clarity.
Optical Tap Installation Introduction Optical tap installation - introduction Once the distribution cable is placed, it can be entered and attached inside the optical tap enclosure. The enclosure can be placed either in a pedestal or on the aerial span. The BrightPath® tap enclosure is a weather-hardened unit where the distribution cable’s ends are secured and one fiber is attached to an optical tap module that splits the optical signal into as many as eight drops.
8.2 Optical Tap Installation Midspan entry Midspan entry of BrightPath® distribution cable Details for midspan entry for the suggested BrightPath distribution cables are contained in CommScope’s BrightPath Tap Installation document. Prior to beginning mid-span entry, make sure these tools and materials are handy: Fiber optic strippers (e.g. Ripley FO 103-S) Round cable stripper (e.g. Ripley RCS-114) Armored cable stripper (e.g. Ripley ACS-100) Buffer tube cutter (e.g.
Optical Tap Installation Splicing equipment Splicing Fiber splicing – overview Once the fiber has been exposed and the cable secured in the housing, the fiber can be spliced. Fiber splicing requires specialized tools and supplies: Fiber splicer with a fiber positioning system and test function Fiber stripper Fiber cleaver FIS splice protection sleeves (F1100240) [drop/branch splicing] Small lint-free tissues (Kimwipes™ or similar brand).
8.4 Optical Tap Installation Splicing Splicing The following instructions are general practice for fusion splicing. Refer to the instructions that came with the splicer on how much buffer to strip, recommended cleavers and other specifics. Prepare the distribution upstream fiber Find the midpoint of the fiber to be spliced into the tap module. Use the fiber cleaver to cut the selected fiber at the midpoint.
Optical Tap Installation Fiber arrangement and testing Arranging and testing the fiber Once the mechanical sleeves have been heat-shrunk, snap them into the slots to the left of the fiber management tracks. Then, arrange the fibers in the management tabs, being careful to avoid tight bends. The diagram at right shows a possible arrangement within the tabs. An exact routing is difficult to recommend because of variances in installation practice.
9.1 Drop and NID/NIU installation Introduction Introduction The drop cable connects the tap to the NID/NIU located on the structure. As outlined on page 3.5, the drop cable is either the DF/BP flat cable or the DA/BP armored central tube cable. Both cables can be buried; the DF flat cable is self-supporting for aerial installations. Please consult the DF cable spec sheet for span distances.
Drop and NID/NIU installation Planning the drop Planning the drop The time taken in examining the route prior to installation is well spent and can help you avoid problems later on. You need to be aware of issues such as right-of-way (ROW), pedestal/tap location and the distance covered by the drop. If using the DA armored cable, you will need to attach and ground the cable’s armor at the NID. Know your ROW (Right-Of-Way) The most direct route may not be the legal route.
9.3 Drop and NID/NIU installation Attachment examples Attachment examples for running the drop Pedestal and NID/NIU locations should be considered with both ROW and grounding issues. The top example shows a straightforward installation. The electric meter is on the opposite side of the building from the span, so attachment near the cold water tap is acceptable. The middle example shows that the most direct route would trespass on neighboring property.
Drop and NID/NIU installation Attaching and grounding the NID Attaching and grounding the NID Specific instructions for attaching and installing the NID/NIU are contained in the BrightPath® NIU Installation document. Prior to installation, make sure these tools and materials are handy: Fiber optic strippers (e.g. Ripley FO 103-S) Round cable stripper (e.g. Ripley RCS-114, Ripley ACS) Buffer tube cutter (e.g. Ideal 45-162) Pigtail (e.g. CommScope ZFT-01BF09-8WSCA-01-BK) Phillips head screwdriver 5/16 in.
9.5 Drop and NID/NIU installation Plowing overview Buried installation - plow from the pedestal BrightPath® drop cable may be installed by trenching or plowing. BrightPath drop cables should be buried to a minimum depth of 12 in. (30 cm) or 18 in. (45 cm) in colder climates. start PLOWED INSTALLATIONS AT the pedestal. Use a plow chute with a radius equal to (and preferably larger) than the minimum bend radius of the drop cable. The chute width should be at least 1/2 in.
Drop and NID/NIU installation Trenching overview Buried installation - trench from the residence BrightPath® drop cables should be buried to a minimum depth of 12 in. (30 cm) or 18 in. (45 cm) in colder climates. start TRENCHED INSTALLATIONS AT the RESIDENCE. Dig the trench as straight, level and rock-free as possible. Drop cables can be placed in the trench. If the cable is on a reel, mount the reel so that pay-off is underneath toward the direction of the pull.
9.7 Drop and NID/NIU installation Aerial installation Aerial installation Aerial installation is an alternate method to run the BrightPath® drop. If considering this method, make sure that there are no local covenants against aerial installations of cable. CommScope DF/BP flat drop cable works well for aerial installations. A typical installation is shown below. Drop cable runs from the tap to the attachment point on the residence and continues to the NID and the ground block.
Drop and NID/NIU installation Pulling cable and pole attachment Aerial installation - pull the cable and attach the cable Starting from the residence, walk the cable end to where the tap will be located. Don’t let the cable kink, scrape, tangle or get hung up as you walk. Pull enough cable to allow easy access to the tap. With the correctly-sized drop, there should be enough cable at the residence to permit connection to the NID. Repeat this for every drop running to this tap.
9.9 Drop and NID/NIU installation Attaching the cable to the residence Attach the cable to the residence Using a ladder or a lift truck, climb up to the attachment point and screw or drive a P-hook or Q-hook into the residence. A good attachment point is the corner of the house under the soffit. NEVER attach to an antenna, rain gutter, chimney, power mast or lightning rod. The hook should be parallel to the ground. The attachment point should not be any closer than 4 in.
Drop and NID/NIU installation Running cable to the NID Run the cable to the NID Route the cable from the attachment point to the entry point for the NID. The path should follow the architectural details of the residence, running down at the corners, across at beams and seams in the siding. Use cable clips to attach cable to the house. A variety of screw-in or nail-in clips are available for wood and masonry. Special snap-in clips are available for vinyl and aluminum siding. Never staple cable.
10.1 Connector Cleaning and Care Cleaning Connector Cleaning Clean connectors are essential to the proper operation of the BrightPath® system. Even a small dust particle can cause transmission problems. All connectors and adapters should be cleaned prior to mating. Thorough instructions for fiber inspection and cleaning are contained in CommScope’s BrightPath Fiber Cleaning document. Some fiber cleaning basics are listed below.
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Disclaimer Legal Disclaimer THIS MANUAL IS PROVIDED FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE USED OR IN ANY WAY RELIED UPON WITHOUT CONSULTATION WITH AND SUPERVISION OF EXPERIENCED CONSTRUCTION PERSONNEL, ENGINEERS OR NETWORK DESIGN SPECIALISTS. COMMSCOPE MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY REGARDING THE QUALITY, CONTENT, COMPLETENESS, SUITABILITY, ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE DATA CONTAINED HEREIN.
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