Modern Building Services

22 MODERN BUILDING SERVICES JULY/AUGUST 2021 FEATURE ELECTRICAL SERVICES ELECTRICAL SERVICES The rollout of fibre-optic broadband continues apace for commercial properties across the UK, with previous copper networks fast becoming outmoded as demand for data-intensive technologies increases in the workplace. Paul Churm , Telecommunications Specialist at REHAU, explores this topic in greater detail. W ith the vast majority of businesses expecting high- speed internet as standard, building professionals must be aware of the logistics behind cable infrastructure during when constructing new premises. It is no secret to say that the UK’s broadband network is under ever-increasing pressure due to rapidly increasing data demand. This, in turn has led to a simple truth – fast internet speeds are no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Nowhere is this more apparent than in business, where changing consumer behaviours and increasing online innovation has transformed the tools employees require to work effectively. Indeed, this conclusion can be seen in a 2021 Statista report demonstrating that 82% of businesses used the internet for banking services, with 59% operating social media pages and accounts, and 58% housing customers’ personal information. Information like this shows how much the working world has changed from even a decade ago, with a fast internet connection now expected as standard for new building premises. Ageing broadband infrastructure Further exacerbating this situation is the fact that the UK’s current copper-based broadband cabling infrastructure will no longer be fit-for-purpose when it comes to meeting this rapidly rising data demand. This network was built with older technologies inmind, including cable television and landline phone connections inmind – not new technologies requiring faster communication and ever-widening bandwidths to adequately function. Also, innovation in the smart device sector does not stand still, and new technologies are constantly being developed that will require ever- increasing amounts of data. It is for this reason that BT Openreach is planning to retire its copper network by 2025, and announced in June a further 551 UK cities and towns would be added to its fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) broadband internet service provider (ISP) network. This rollout programme, known as ‘Fibre First’, aims for an eventual peak of 75,000 premises connected to broadband per week, with 25 million premises covered by December 2026. Ongoing rollout As a result, building professionals must be aware of the need to not only provide sufficient cable infrastructure during construction, but also ensure this infrastructure is futureproofed to accommodate high-speed internet solutions like fibre-optic broadband. Only then can they be assured of buildings that are fit for data- intensive applications the modern business requires, including video streaming, smart metering, and data collation and analysis. Installation of fibre optic cable infrastructure in buildings can therefore be seen as a necessary expense for commercial building developers and specifiers looking to futureproof their investment. As well as this, ensuring easy access to a vital utility can help encourage further appreciation of a property’s value. However, despite efforts by Openreach and various ISPs, logistical issues continue to hamper rollout. One such issue for commercial premises is the ‘last mile’ of broadband connections – a term referring to the final leg of a cable installation, from the distribution point to the premises. Even though ISPs may install fibre optic cables to this point, which is normally a toby box next to the curb, using traditional copper cabling for the last mile can result in lower speeds. In fact, the greater the distance between the distribution point and the building connection, the smaller the bandwidth due to the high damping rate. FTTP and FTTD Consequently, no matter how high- performing the cabling is up to the distribution point, bandwidth will severely drop without appropriate fibre optic cable infrastructure. This includes compact micro ducts, which are used to house and install fibre cabling into the property, enabling FTTP. Commercial premises have traditionally used a singular termination point known as anOptical Network Unit (ONU) in these FTTP arrangements. In this configuration, the original fibre optic cable is blown into the building fromthe toby box to the ONU via high-speed compressed air, travelling along external and internal ducting so it is caught on the other side. The cable and its signal are then spliced and linked to in-building devices and equipment via a passive optical splitter, connecting the premises up to the country’s broadband infrastructure. EasyConnect Yet though this ‘blowing-in’ process sounds simple, there are multiple obstacles that can hamper its progress. This includes the need for two technicians – one at the toby box, the other in the building – to execute it. Ensuring building access to carry out the work, with construction working to tight deadlines with only small windows available to establish connections. Connecting commercial premises – the need for high-speed internet