Following these guidelines will help owners provide space, paths and cables that service providers can use to provide fiber optic services.

The use of optical fiber in buildings is clear. Optical fiber is the most forward-looking communication medium currently available. It attracts residents, and it is cheaper, easier to install, and less invasive than copper and coaxial cables.

The question in many owners' minds is: "How do I prepare my building fiber?" This article is a condensed version of the white paper of the same name issued by the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA). For more information, please refer to the full text on the FBA website (https://toolkit.fiberbroadband.org/d/do/2639).

If at least one optical fiber passes through or enters each residential unit, the building has an optical fiber to that unit. More than one fiber per unit can support future services or multiple operators to provide services to the building. In order to meet future needs, FBA recommends that the number of fibers in the riser be 1.5 times the number of residential units.

Fiber type is critical. It is recommended to use single-mode fiber for the fiber optic network in the building, and since the building contains many corners and elbows, it is recommended to use single-mode fiber that is not sensitive to bending. For risers, it is recommended to use optical fibers that meet or exceed the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Recommendation G.657.A2. For drop-down corridors and internal units, it is recommended to use optical fibers that comply with ITU Recommendation G.657.B3.

Building owners can choose to participate in the scope of network preparation. Compared with the construction of the entire building, fiber optic installation is a very small and low-cost part. Generally, building owners perform one of two roles:

If the building owner chooses to connect to the network, close communication with the service provider is very important to ensure that the service provider can use the network. For example, the connector type must match, the conduit size must be large enough, and it must meet the power and cooling requirements of any active components.

The typical fiber to the unit MDU network architecture is as follows:

All conduits and cables must meet the appropriate flame and smoke ratings. The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the main source of information about requirements, but local codes may also apply.

Space is needed in buildings to accommodate various equipment and connection points.

The route of fiber placement is critical. The fiber optic path required for a new building and an existing building may be quite different. The access can be indoors or outdoors, and is usually designated as a "rise pipe" or "branch", and must be large enough to accommodate the cables needed to reach the dwelling unit. Different architectural designs may have different path scenarios.

For new buildings, the easiest way is to place ducts or micropipes with pull wires in the riser and each unit during the construction of the building. Then, the cable can be pulled into place as needed. Typical conduit sizes are 1 inch or 2 inches for risers and 1/2 inch for descenders, but these should be confirmed with the service provider to ensure they are the correct size.

In buildings that are already inhabited, it is usually impossible to place conduits without extensive renovations, but there are many alternative ways of laying paths, including placing cables on suspended ceilings or lines, installing small cables on the wall surface, or Lay the cables from the outside of the building to individual units. Fiber optic cables can be very small, and in many cases, the visual impact may be minimal.

Cables have different structures and number of optical fibers. Most fiber optic cables are usually less than 1 inch in diameter, although some cables with hundreds of fibers may be larger. If the building owner wants to buy cables, be sure to discuss the proposed network architecture and fiber and cable types with the service provider to confirm the cable and fiber types, the number of fibers, and the connection plan.

Owners can choose from a variety of products and technologies to prepare their buildings for fiber optic services. 

The fiber in the unit is connected to the fiber in the corridor (or outdoor). It is then installed in equipment, usually terminated at an optical network terminal (ONT), which converts optical signals into electrical signals. The ONT is usually located near the AC power source. Other equipment provided by the service provider may include backup battery units, routers and/or switches, and TV set-top boxes. ONT is usually desktop or wall-mounted.

Because residents are sensitive to the visual footprint of cables, the fiber products used in the unit are usually more aesthetically pleasing than those used in risers or closets. Usually smaller cables and wires are used. Due to the many bends, it is recommended to use fiber conforming to ITU G.657.B3 for this application. Optical fibers are usually installed near the ceiling to reduce accidental contact. Installation methods include binding on the wall, surface mounting or rail mounting. It is best to discuss the components in the unit with the service provider in advance, and coordinate the installation path with the residents, so that everyone is satisfied with the installation.

The Fiber Broadband Association believes that every building and residential unit should eventually have fiber. Millions of apartments and condominium units already use fiber optic cabling, and service providers and manufacturers have developed products and technologies to easily and cost-effectively wire most buildings. 

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