This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

Broadband network resilience to rota disconnection

With a real risk of rota disconnection this winter, I have been looking into UPS and home battery backup solutions (which would also enable me to utilise off-peak tariffs). However, I have been unable to find out whether the broadband distribution cabinets in the road have a priority mains supply which would not be affected by rota cuts. There is no point in providing backup power for computers and routers if the broadband network shuts down. I asked an openreach technician and he didn't know. Can anyone give an authoritative answer?
Since FTP services remove the old analogue phone lines - and hence the ability to make emergency phone calls - I'm assuming a high level of resilience. But FTP subscribers would need mains power to their handsets in such a case, so maybe it's assumed that we will use mobile phones in any emergency during a blackout.
Parents
  • I've been doing a little research and as far as I can tell, the FTTP (fibre to the premises) system doesn't seem to rely on the roadside (green) cabinets at all - and all the gubbins between exchange and home seems to be entirely optical and passive and so don't need any power. There's an interesting video here: https://youtu.be/6595-Xv-pZk

    So as long as there's some kind of UPS at home, and the exchanges still have their usual backup supplies the situation might not be that bad after all. I know that a lot of existing "fibre" installations are just fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) - but judging by all the new fibre boxes that have just appeared on top of all the local telephone poles around here, FTTP seems to be the way things are going.

       - Andy.

Reply
  • I've been doing a little research and as far as I can tell, the FTTP (fibre to the premises) system doesn't seem to rely on the roadside (green) cabinets at all - and all the gubbins between exchange and home seems to be entirely optical and passive and so don't need any power. There's an interesting video here: https://youtu.be/6595-Xv-pZk

    So as long as there's some kind of UPS at home, and the exchanges still have their usual backup supplies the situation might not be that bad after all. I know that a lot of existing "fibre" installations are just fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) - but judging by all the new fibre boxes that have just appeared on top of all the local telephone poles around here, FTTP seems to be the way things are going.

       - Andy.

Children
  • and all the gubbins between exchange and home seems to be entirely optical and passive and so don't need any power

    Yes, but indoors the optical network termination needs a power supply, so as you say if you have some form of UPS, you may be all right. I wonder whether a proper old-fashioned telephone with dial and bells (or even a passive push-button one) would work with this kit?