I C T & T E L E C O M M U N I C A T I O N S

DarkFibre-WhatIsIt?

AUTHOR: Chilombo (Olga) Priscila EconomicResearcher/Statistician@ RDJ Consulting

Telecommunications require faster and faster service speeds. Currently, businesses are shifting to fibre rapidly as fibre offers higher bandwidth and faster speeds over longer distances. According to IBISWorld, the fibre-optic cable manufacturing industry has already reached $4 billion over the last five years

With more and more people depending on fibre-optic cables, its demand is on the rise, and so dark fibre plays a significant role in providing the needed waste and cost reduction associated with continuously laying down fibre-optic cables whenever an upgrade is needed.

When it comes to fibre optic cables, you may hear terms such as “lit fibre” and “dark fibre”, but what does this really mean, and what is the relevance of dark fibre in the “networks” market? Before we go in depth discussing dark fibre and its relevance in the networks sector, let us first understand that lit fibre essentially refers to fibre optic cables that are currently in use by a service provider to transmit data. The fact that it is “lit” is because the fibre carries light signals through particular pathways referred to as modes, which enable the light to travel down the fibre The light is needed in the fibre for illumination as well as communications

Dark fibre on the other hand, is a well-known term among network providers and operators The term “dark” simply refers to the fact that the fibre is “unlit” Hence, dark fibre is essentially spare optic cables installed underground, saved for use in future, when the need for greater bandwidth arises.

Who can use and benefit?

Contrary to purchasing bandwidth or leased line on an existing network, Dark Fibre network is under the complete control of the client to use it for Internet access and communications, unlike lit fibre which is operated and maintained by the network provider This, therefore, means that anyone can acquire dark fibre once it is available, however, businesses and other organizations are more likely to get the most out of dark fibre bandwidth, since they have a higher demand for their internet As a result, dark fibre ensures that businesses will have almost complete control over their network infrastructure

Other organizations that can use and benefit from dark fibre are governments, institutions, schools, e-commerce, and retail companies. These particular organizations require fast and secure internet capabilities due to the transmission of large files of sensitive data

Let us now take a look at some of the benefits of dark fibre…

While you can never be too careful, dark fibre networks are one of the best ways to safeguard organizations from harm through the gain of full control over their own networks. This is much needed to organizations that deal with highly confidential and sensitive information, as well as those who require real-time information such as financial services, retail or healthcare

Dark fibre’s limitless capabilities further enable businesses to manage capacity and scale as needed. This is good for businesses with large data requirements like media, manufacturing and banks. And, for those wanting to take advantage of Cloud and VoIP capabilities, having a reliable network makes all the difference

In brief, dark fibre is attractive to businesses due to the following

High performance and low cost - one has the ability to increase their bandwidth whenever needed at lower cost (no laying of cables) and avoid unexpected costs related to breaches and data loss.

Ownership - one has full control of the fibre-optic network

Flexibility and Scalability - one has control over the capacity, making it easier to scale Those with seasonal needs have access to the capacity they need – both higher and lower – and can control it themselves without the intervention of a Service Provider and the associated costs and timescales.

Security and reliability - having a dedicated route and control over the network, means that one can control any foreign attempts to join your network, and so remain detached from any unwanted traffic

What about potential “hidden” costs?

As much as dark fibre seems to be less costly at the time of use, the reality is that there is an initial “hidden” cost charged for it when laid on the ground However, this cost is made up from the civil engineering work required to lay the fibre – especially when requesting a bespoke route. Even then, without the civils, a business needs to purchase and manage the equipment at both ends of the fibre too. The good news is that this cost could, however, be justified in the fact that the capacity is near limitless, meaning businesses using this service do not need to pay to scale up each time

Other shortcomings of dark fibre

Another shortcoming is the need for expertise on network management due to private ownership of the system Also, dark fibre is not always available in rural areas. In fact, you’re more likely to find dark fibre in government entities, cities, and large corporations in urban areas.

Conclusion

Dark fibre therefore plays a significant role in the networks sector, especially today when demand for more secure and fast internet service is on the rise

Talk to us about the presence of dark fibre in your country. The conversation continues at briefing@rdjpublishing.africa

Readings: https://neosnetworks com/products-services/darkfibre/what-is-dark-fibre/ https://ipwithease com/what-is-dark-fibre/ https://www fieldengineer com/blogs/what-is-dark-fibre https://www makeuseof com/what-is-dark-fibre/ https://www.ufinet.com/why-dark-fibre-how-this-internetcould-change-your-life-for-the-better/ https://www volico com/the-difference-between-lit-fibreand-dark-fibre/