Interconnects
Leo Bicknell
bicknell at ufp.org
Fri May 17 22:36:58 UTC 2002
In a message written on Fri, May 17, 2002 at 03:24:38PM -0700, Paul Vixie wrote:
> I had the same thought. However, it turns out to light a path there's all
> kinds of climbing down into manholes that has to happen. I'm no fiber expert,
> but the parent company (MFN) does employ such experts, so let's remain calm.
(Disclaimer, I also work for MFN)
I'll echo Paul's comments. While I don't work directly in the fiber
side of our business, several things have become clear about NYC:
* The streets are crowded. Be that adding conduit, or existing
manholes (which are quite full), things are packed in. Anyone
who has been in Manhattan can understand this fact. This slows
progress.
* The city doesn't like you blocking a lane/street. They really
don't like it. They have lots of limits on when you can do
things.
* Virtually all labor is Union. I personally find this neither
good nor bad, but it does change slightly how things are done.
* Resources are in general in high demand. What I mean by this
is that there is enough demand that it's unlikely "extra" resources
from a previous activity are still available to support new
activity. Sometimes you get lucky, but in general your waiting
in line.
* Much of NYC is old. This includes the fiber, and conduit.
Problems that occur with old things (out of spec, broken when
you go back, missing, etc) happen alarmingly often in Manhattan.
Also, a general comment on the dark fiber business. Dark fiber
means the fiber must be spliced end to end, and until someone comes
up with a better idea that means someone has to go out to many
manholes to do it. That is the downside of this method of provisioning.
I think it's outweighed by the upside, but that's just my opinion.
I know nothing about Paul's specific case, but in general be patient
with fiber in Manhattan, and from talking to other carriers that
is not unique to MFN.
--
Leo Bicknell - bicknell at ufp.org - CCIE 3440
PGP keys at http://www.ufp.org/~bicknell/
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