By now, almost the entire Netherlands has access to a fiber-optic network, but it took some time to get there. That’s not surprising, of course, because installing a fiber-optic network is a lot of work and involves a great deal of paperwork. Even before the actual digging begins, there’s a lot that needs to be arranged. Think, for example, of permits and a site survey. Once all that’s taken care of, the digging can begin. But how exactly does the process of laying fiber-optic cables work? We’re going to explain that to you!
Here's how fiber-optic installation works
In some cases, only a small section needs to be dug up, and in others, there is already a pipe network in place through which fiber optic cables can easily be run, or there may even be a fiber optic cable right at the doorstep. Is there already a cable right outside the door? Then it just needs to be pulled through to the utility box of a business or home that wants a fiber-optic connection. If the location isn’t near an existing connection, a new connection must be dug between the building and the nearest manhole.
Before digging begins, a reel cart is prepared with an empty 40mm HDPE pipe. The team then thoroughly analyzes the map again to determine which route to take and what obstacles they might encounter during digging. This includes all pipes, existing fiber-optic cables, power cables, and utility lines, along with their corresponding depths. The plan of action is also indicated on the map.
Let the digging begin
When fiber-optic trenching begins, the unrolled HDPE pipe is already in place, ready to be buried. Trenching starts at the manhole, a short distance from the business or residence that will be connected to the fiber-optic network. The HDPE pipe is connected to the existing manhole. The team then digs the trench along the entire route the cables will follow and unrolls the empty HDPE pipe along the route. The fiber-optic cables are placed inside the pipe and laid in the trench. Before the team backfills the trench, they place a warning tape approximately 30 centimeters below the surface, with the text “Caution: Fiber-Optic Cable!” Should any future excavation work take place in the area, this serves as an additional warning to prevent damage to the fiber-optic cables.