Dark Fiber :
The more modern definition of the term "dark fiber" refers to unlit fiber optic cables (AKA: "dark") that already installed in the floor and ready for use but not yet used. Why should unused fiber optic cables be in the ground?
Instead of adding new fiber strands to an existing network, network service providers (NSPs) often install more fiber than is currently needed to meet bandwidth requirements, with the idea of being able to expand operations in the future using "dark optical fiber cables.” Therefore, these unlit fiber optic lines are an NSP approach to save time, reduce costs, and make their networks future proof against the growing demand for higher bandwidth capacity.
Dark Fiber Optic By installing additional fiber optic cables, NSPs can maximize their efficiency as building a fiber-optic network takes a lot of time and money. When planning a fiber-optic network, the important thing is to determine the path of the cable. However, there are other obstacles, e.g., B. Grant of approval for the construction of fiber passages and channels. Only when NSPs are authorized to set steps and position fiber can all network elements (i.e., switches, repeaters, etc.) be connected to provide an Internet connection.
Therefore, it only makes sense that NSPs try to install all fiber optic cables once the floor is broken. As a result, an excessive amount of dark fiberglass is available in some areas of the United States.
This availability, together with technologies such as wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM), has made dark fibers a valuable resource and a sought-after product for companies, schools, and even individuals with very high bandwidth requirements.
What is Dark Fiber for?
Dark fibers can mainly be bought and managed by anyone who can afford the initial investment. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that this is a good idea, even if you want to scream quickly on the Internet. In general, Dark Fiber only benefits organizations and companies that have particular network requirements and need end-to-end control of their network infrastructure.
Some companies and organizations that can benefit from dark fibers:
- Production and logistics companies
- E-commerce and retail
- Hotels
- Government authorities
- financial institutions
- Campus and university schools
- Internet service providers and telecommunications companies
For most businesses and individuals, the local Internet service provider (ISP) typically has a bandwidth plan that meets the needs of the network. In some cases, however, it is logical and financial for companies, schools, and individuals to manage their fiber network as in the example above.
With a dark fiber, the operator can essentially act as a separate ISP and does not have to deal with delays in services that can sometimes affect the typical ISP in the customer relationship.
These are some of the benefits that a dark fiber network can offer:
Safety:
dark fiber networks are safer than ever. Because the Dark Fiber network is privately owned and managed by the tenant, no other external entity can track or record the data and information transmitted through the fiber.
This level of security is essential for all companies and schools that need to transfer confidential materials through a secure network constantly and is particularly crucial for sensitive industries (such as research, defense, financial services, etc.).
reliability
As long as the operators of a dark fiber network are equipped for the required repairs maintenance, dark fiber networks offer a reliable, flexible and fast bandwidth service that no ISP can match.
Network problems generally require sending a request to the ISP for a technician to investigate, identify and resolve the issue. ISP is likely to process hundreds or even thousands of similar requests every day, which means that processing the request may take some time.
In a dark fiber-optic network, you don't have to wait for someone to help you with the problems, since you have full control over the system and can do everything yourself. In our modern world, where an Internet connection is essential, no company or school can afford downtime while waiting for the ISP to download repair personnel.
As the owner and operator of a dark fiber network, you can easily solve the problem with the device without having to contact an ISP to send a technician. In this way, you can minimize downtime in case of problems and keep your company updated. This is particularly important in industries where downtime costs money.
cost
While prices for dark fiber can be intimidating in advance, operators of a dark fiber map network can be confident that the cost of running the network is essentially long term.
With a traditional Internet service provider, there is always a risk for companies and businesses that the fees for the current service level increase over time or that the service itself even disappears completely. This can result in companies costing more than they would have paid for a dark fiber-optic network. This is a big deal considering that conventional bandwidth offerings cannot keep up with the flexibility and scalability of their fiber network. .
The future of dark fiber :
Since the world is more dependent on internet connectivity in everyday operations and telecommunications providers are looking for ways to expand the available bandwidth, dark fiber map networks offer a great opportunity, at least under certain circumstances.
If you can create or manage the network of an organization, Dark Fiber is a network solution to consider because the benefits are too numerous to ignore.