[LINK] Is the NBN Ready for Extreme Weather?

Richard Chirgwin rchirgwin at ozemail.com.au
Thu Dec 6 09:00:57 AEDT 2012


Tom,

Why is the fibre considered "more vulnerable" to damage than the copper? 
Where possible, it will use the existing 25mm ducts that carry copper to 
the termination point. I don't suppose bare fibre will be exposed to the 
elements.

Some other points.

1. The copper CAN is vulnerable to pit-flooding, which renders the 
backup power question moot. The 48V is lost along with the line.

2. Any portable PSTN phone is also dependent on power in the CPE.

3. The circumstances which knock out mobile phone networks - for eg, the 
Queensland floods - are destructive to any telecommunications network.

RC

On 6/12/12 8:30 AM, Tom Worthington wrote:
> Frank Yardley from the NCCARF Emergency Management Network at RMIT
> University pointed out a Senate Inquiry into preparedness for extreme
> weather events. It invites submissions on the preparedness of major
> infrastructure, including telecommunications:
> http://www.aph.gov.au/parliamentary_business/committees/senate_committees?url=ec_ctte/extreme_weather/tor.htm
>
> My suggestion would be that as a matter of policy, the combination of
> the NBN and mobile phone networks should be made as reliable as the old
> PSTN was. This should not be just for voice calls but for data as well.
>
> The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) used underground cables and
> switching centers with backup power supplies. The system would therefore
> work during power failures, floods, cyclones, fires and other disasters.
> The NBN relies on mains power in the customer's premises to function.
> While there is provision for battery backup where a voice service is
> provided, many people will be using VoIP via the Internet, where no
> battery backup is provided. Also the fiber optic cable may be more
> vulnerable to damage, where it enters the customer's premises. Mobile
> mobile phone towers may be more vulnerable to damage in disasters.
>
>




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