By Joshua Collver, Director of OSP Operations, Irby Utilities
The telecommunications industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation as it transitions from GPON to XGSPON and other multi-gigabit technologies. While these hardware upgrades enhance network capacity, it is equally if not more essential to rethink the infrastructure that supports these advancements.
Challenges and Past Skepticism
It's important to acknowledge that multi-path conduits, particularly micro duct technology, have faced skepticism and negative perceptions in the United States. These challenges have often been attributed to the following factors:
Resistance to Change: The telecom industry has a history of relying on established practices and technologies. Introducing a paradigm shift like micro duct technology required overcoming resistance to change. Professionals were comfortable with traditional methods and were cautious about deviating from the norm.
Perceived Complexity: Some viewed micro duct technology as overly complex, assuming that the smaller size of conduits and cables would translate to increased difficulty in installation and maintenance. This perception deterred many from exploring the potential benefits.
Initial Cost: Like any new technology, the initial cost of adopting micro duct technology was a concern for organizations. There was a misconception that the investment required for transitioning to multi-path conduits would outweigh the long-term benefits.
Risk Aversion: The telecom industry, characterized by high stakes and stringent reliability requirements, tends to be risk-averse. Many were concerned about potential failures or network issues associated with newer technology like micro ducts.
It's essential to note that these challenges and negative perceptions have evolved as the telecommunications industry gained a better understanding of the benefits of micro duct technology. Advances in industry standards, increased market education, and successful case studies have gradually shifted perceptions and broadened the acceptance of micro ducts as a valuable tool for modernizing telecommunications infrastructure.
From Traditional Underground to Multi-Path Conduit Using Standard Construction Methods
Traditional underground conduit systems have served the industry well, but they come with inherent limitations and challenges. As a general rule, the industry is committed to using traditional bore or plow methods for conduit installation while maintaining a standard 36-inch to 48-inch depth. This approach significantly reduces the risk associated with micro-trenching technology, which is typically placed at a shallower 12–16-inch depth. These depths are where micro ducts have been used in the past.
Available Labor Resources: Transitioning to multi-path conduits while adopting standard construction methods for installation brings about several notable advantages. Using standard construction methods mitigates the risk of conduit strikes and simplifies the installation process. Placing Micro duct with a horizontal directional drill or a conduit plow ensures that the expertise and equipment required for deployment are readily available within the industry, eliminating the need for specialized contractors with specific equipment that add to increasing labor costs as well as a smaller labor pool.
Damage Prevention Constraints: Construction projects often overlap, and the risk of damaging existing infrastructure is ever-present. The current state of funding opportunities is creating downward pressure on the “811 One Call System,” and underground locates continuously show longer lead times to completion. By deploying multi-path conduits with standard construction methods, the industry can reduce the chances of damage during follow-on construction activities.
Ease of Permit Approval: Multi-path conduits with standard construction methods result in smaller holes than traditional large, back-reamed holes capable of handling larger footprint conduit packages. This characteristic simplifies the permit approval process, aligning with the requirements of multiple agencies and Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. Notably, this approach eliminates the need for flowable fill for large-footprint boring under highways, leading to substantial cost savings for contractors that are passed on to the customer.
Smaller Enclosures and Vaults: The reduced size of multi-path conduits, paired with micro cables, enables the use of smaller enclosures, vaults, and handholes. This is particularly advantageous, given the tighter bend radius of micro-cables. With a reduced physical footprint, the vaults are easier to install, require fewer materials, and involve less excavation. Additionally, they are often more aesthetically pleasing in urban and suburban environments where space is limited, reducing potential conflicts with city planning authorities and possible future customers.
The Economics of Multi-Path Micro Ducts
Imagine a project where the initial plan was to install seven separate 1.25" SDR 11 conduits to meet varying capacity requirements, including backhaul, feeder, and distribution tiered cables. Each of these traditional conduits would entail a set of materials, including pipes, couplers, duct seals, and tracer wires, along with the associated labor costs for installation.
Now, consider the alternative approach of using a seven-way micro duct. This single micro duct can accommodate the same number of cables as the seven traditional conduits combined. Notably, the cost of this multi-path micro duct is comparable to that of a single 1.25" SDR 11 conduit. By adopting multi-path micro ducts, an organization can centralize material expenses, eliminating the need to procure and manage materials for multiple conduits.
Moreover, due to the bend radius capabilities, fewer coupler locations are required when using multi-path micro ducts than traditional conduits. This further contributes to material cost savings. Couplers are not only a material expense but also introduce additional points of potential failure in the network. By reducing the number of couplers needed, the industry enhances network reliability while simultaneously reducing costs.
Micro-Cable Usage in Multi-Path Ducts: Another cost-effective aspect of multi-path micro ducts is the utilization of micro-cables. These cables offer similar costs to traditional cables but are designed to fit comfortably within the narrower confines of micro ducts. This compatibility ensures cost-efficiency without compromising network performance. Micro-cables are readily available in the market and are compatible with standard network equipment, simplifying maintenance and future upgrades.
Labor Costs and Multi-Path Micro Ducts: The material cost savings associated with multi-path micro ducts are complemented by reductions in labor costs. Most contractors charge labor for placement both by the foot and quantity of conduits.
Cost-Effective Smaller Equipment: The industry's commitment to standard construction methods and multi-path conduits extends to the use of smaller equipment such as enclosures, vaults, and handholes. These smaller equipment options not only further reduce material costs but also enhance the overall cost-effectiveness of the network infrastructure. As new products emerge, much smaller equipment can house larger quantities of cable, along with larger fiber count cables. This scalability ensures that the network can accommodate future growth without requiring extensive equipment upgrades.
Potential Future Use Assets
The concept of multi-path conduits and their deployment using standard construction methods extends far beyond immediate benefits. It paves the way for an array of future possibilities, enhancing the value of this approach.
Expansion Without Ground Disturbance: Multi-path conduits inherently offer additional vacant pathways for future use. These conduits can be strategically placed to allow network expansion without the need for ground-disturbing excavation activities a second time. As the network grows to accommodate new customers or additional service areas, the existing infrastructure can be leveraged, reducing both costs and potential disruption to the surrounding environment.
Happier Customers: Customers in expanding service areas will appreciate that construction does not repeatedly disrupt their properties. A single installation can serve multiple subdivision phases or accommodate the growth of a multi-dwelling unit (MDU) complex without extensive construction work.
Meeting Demands of Population Expansion: In densely populated urban areas with great demand for high-speed internet, multi-path conduits allow for seamless network expansion. As new MDUs and residential complexes are placed closer to each other, the ability to scale the network without extensive additional excavation is a significant advantage.
Additional Vacant Paths for Commercial Sales/Lease Opportunities: Multi-path conduits serve the industry's immediate needs and create additional revenue generation opportunities through commercial sales or lease agreements. The vacant paths within these conduits can be leased to other telecommunications providers or enterprises requiring fiber connectivity by offering vacant pathways, dark fiber lease/IRU opportunities, or additional lit services for commercial or middle-mile requirements. This additional income potential can contribute significantly to the financial health of the telecommunications infrastructure.
Supporting Emerging Technologies: The rapid advancement of technology continues to drive the demand for higher bandwidth and low-latency connections. Multi-path conduits future-proof the infrastructure, ensuring it can support emerging technologies like 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and beyond. As these technologies evolve, the conduits are ready to accommodate the necessary fiber and cabling, avoiding costly and disruptive infrastructure upgrades.
Reducing Environmental Impact: Multi-path conduits align with sustainability goals by minimizing the need for repetitive trenching and excavation. By utilizing existing infrastructure and reducing ground disturbance, the industry contributes to a more environmentally friendly approach to network expansion. This can be a crucial consideration in regions with stringent environmental regulations.
Conclusion
In an era of constant technological evolution, scalability and forward-thinking are critical for the industry's success. Shifting from traditional underground conduits to multi-path conduits, with a steadfast commitment to standard construction methods for installation, not only reduces costs during the project phase but also ensures substantially reduced future costs during network growth. This approach aligns perfectly with the ever-increasing demand for high-speed, reliable connectivity and positions network operators for a more efficient and cost-effective future.
Josh Collver is the Director of OSP Operations at Irby Utilities. His more than 20 years of OSP planning and execution experience comes from many roles ranging from Heavy Equipment Operator to Project Manager to Construction Inspector. Currently, Josh is responsible for Irby’s PMO and Construction Management teams, executing the delivery of large-scale FTTx network projects.