Kitz Forum

Announcements => News Articles => Topic started by: Bowdon on December 11, 2018, 04:10:59 PM

Title: Openreach to Start UK ISP Trial of Self Install G.fast Broadband
Post by: Bowdon on December 11, 2018, 04:10:59 PM
https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2018/12/openreach-to-start-uk-isp-trial-of-g-fast-broadband-self-install.html (https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2018/12/openreach-to-start-uk-isp-trial-of-g-fast-broadband-self-install.html)

Quote
As predicted Openreach (BT) has today announced the forthcoming launch of a new Proof of Concept (PoC) trial, which will make it possible for ISPs to offer customers a “self install” (i.e. no engineer required) variant of their new 330Mbps capable G.fast (hybrid fibre) based ultrafast broadband service.

The G.fast technology works in a similar way to the VDSL2 based Fibre-to-the-Cabinet (FTTC) service. Essentially a fibre optic cable is run to your local PCP Street Cabinet, which is then fitted with an extension “pod” (on the side) to house the new line cards and kit. After that the G.fast service reaches your home via the existing copper line (works best on shorter lines under c.200-300 metres).

At present the only way for end-users to get the service is via a managed installation, which requires an engineer to enter your home and plug everything in for you (the Master Socket may also be upgraded to an NTE5C + new faceplate). This is actually quite handy because engineers can often spot and resolve issues that might otherwise negatively impact your performance, but it does add a cost.

Meanwhile many of the early installs have tended to involve a two box solution, which means that a dedicated broadband modem Huawei MT992 is used to handle the G.fast side and then you plug your own kit (or the ISP’s router) into that in order to distribute the internet connection around your home (via WiFi etc.).

However in a self-install setup the ISP simply sends their customer the necessary hardware and asks you to plug it all in yourself, which is usually fairly simple (especially if the provider can use a single router solution that integrates the G.fast modem, such as BT’s Smart Hub X or Smart Hub 2). On top of that, self-install methods are cheaper (no home engineer visit) and that makes the possibility of packages with free activation or shorter contracts more viable.

Back in June 2018 we revealed that a G.fast Self Install service would be announced before the end of this year and Openreach has today confirmed their plan. The initial PoC test will begin in January 2019 and then run for 3 months. The plan is to test it with approximately 1,000 lines and during this period the normal one-off connection charge will be reduced to zero.
Title: Re: Openreach to Start UK ISP Trial of Self Install G.fast Broadband
Post by: waltergmw on December 13, 2018, 08:45:42 AM
I gather that the Pod requires low voltage DC power from an existing VDSL cabinet so I wonder what the increased battery drain might be during a power outage ?
Is there any power protection facility such as a circuit breaker provided for the power cable between the VDSL Cabinet and the PCP Pod ?
Title: Re: Openreach to Start UK ISP Trial of Self Install G.fast Broadband
Post by: burakkucat on December 13, 2018, 05:04:26 PM
I gather that the Pod requires low voltage DC power from an existing VDSL cabinet . . .

Yes, that is the usual case.

Quote
. . . so I wonder what the increased battery drain might be during a power outage ?

I'm not sure if any figures have been published with regards to the extra loading as a result from the connection of the pod-based Nokia or Huawei equipment.

Quote
Is there any power protection facility such as a circuit breaker provided for the power cable between the VDSL Cabinet and the PCP Pod ?

I would imagine there is such a device at the "fibre" cabinet end. Within the pod, there certainly is a means of isolating the equipment from the incoming power supply.
Title: Re: Openreach to Start UK ISP Trial of Self Install G.fast Broadband
Post by: ejs on December 13, 2018, 06:09:58 PM
There are some electricity usage numbers for some Openreach G.fast equipment in:
https://www.elexon.co.uk/documents/groups/svg/2018-meetings-svg/211-september/svg211-01b-mdd273/
https://www.elexon.co.uk/documents/groups/svg/2018-meetings-svg/212-october/svg212-01b-mdd-change-requests-for-version-274/
Title: Re: Openreach to Start UK ISP Trial of Self Install G.fast Broadband
Post by: burakkucat on December 13, 2018, 06:33:29 PM
Thank you for the links. The files have been downloaded and will be examined later.