GIS in the management of fiber optic cable network in urban centre: case study of Frontier Optical Networks Limited

Abstract

Fiber optic technology is a revolutionary technological departure from the traditional copper wires twisted-pair cable or coaxial cable. It is a very crucial and essential communication medium in the development of any nation. Therefore, the design, deployment and management of fiber optic cable components should be monitored and maintained efficiently to avoid long hours of communication disruption in case of network outages. The study presents the use of Geographic Information Systems in the management of Fiber optic cable distribution network for Frontier Optical Network (FON) limited in Nairobi city, Kenya.

The components of the distribution network considered were those belonging to telecom network and conduit network. Telecom network features include digital cross connect, digital loop carrier, fiber cable, fiber interconnect, multiplexer, optical repeater, patch panel, splice closure, splitter, telecom network junction and termination. Conduit network features include conduit, Structures (manholes and hand holes) and conduit network junctions.

A digital map showing fiber optic cable distribution network in the area of study was created by overlaying different maps. Also a spatial database was created for storing the information pertaining fiber optic cable network. Network analysis was used to perform fiber trace to show routes of data communication flow between a transmitting and receiving network terminal points. The created database was found to store the information relating to the fiber cabling system in a more consistent manner with minimum redundancy and in a centralized way which solved the problem of disparate data storage systems.