They are in groups of 32 to match the ports per card I guess

It depends on the linecard in the DSLAMs, and the number of cables between the linecards and the filter/connectors. The omission is because the rows of filter/connectors are only wired from one of the connectors on the linecard.

Each of the big connectors on Huawei linecards can hold a maximum of 32 lines.

The DSLAM in the AIO is a 4 card MA5616, with 32 lines per card, and one connector per card. 32 lines over the one cable = 32 filters grouped together.

The DSLAM in the 288 cabinet is a 6 card MA5603, with 48 lines per card, and two connectors per card. That puts 24 lines on the cable out of each connector = 24 filters grouped together.

Thanks for those details.

Do you know why there is a need for those AIO Cabinets?

From the Broadband aspect, it would appear that a simple intercept of the EO lines at the Exchange, would allow the normal range of FTTC cabinets to be used, the exchange part of the intercepted EO line corresponding to the E-side at a PCP; and the external part of the intercepted EO line corresponding to the D-side at a PCP.

Have a simplified PCP "within" the Exchange, with conventional Links to and from a normal FTTC cabinet.

Thus standard parts being used throughout compared to the illustrated AIO cabinets with their apparent Distribution Frame substitutions taking up space.

Edited by deleted (Sun 05-Jun-16 18:29:12)

My impression was that the original design for EO upgrades meant a new, standalone, PCP and separate FTTC cabinet.

The all in one cabinet is rather newer, and seems to have gone into service initially to deal with long lines - where those lines are already on a standard cabinet. Northern Ireland seemed to get the first ones, and the problem to solve there wasn't EO lines - it was long lines on PCPs.

However, there's no reason why they can't be used as an EO solution outside the exchange. In fact, I think the Aysgarth one linked above (on the politician's website) is outside the exchange.

Inside, the DSLAM is identical to the smaller Huawei cabs.

Your suggestion might work where the EO's FTTC cab was next to the exchange but hardly practical in cases such as ours. 75+ EO lines 2km from the exchange with the new AIO placed close to the end users.

Thanks for that example.

I had generally thought of the EO lines tending to be widespread as they got further away from the exchange, hence no PCP, rather than there being clusters as in your case

Good news! The previous roadworks have been re-listed, although pushed back by a few weeks further to late June. I'd expect these to not be cancelled this time.

Excellent, fingers crossed this time!

In reply to a post by eckiedoo:

I had generally thought of the EO lines tending to be widespread as they got further away from the exchange, hence no PCP, rather than there being clusters as in your case

Our development of 75 homes was built in the late 1980s and formerly a brownfield site, light industrial and lock-up garages, so perhaps BT considered it easier/cheaper to go EO rather than expand one of the local cabs. I have a feeling that there are many similar clusters of long EO lines in the Bermondsey area where there's been a fair bit of construction over the years on former dockland and PCPs are few and far between.

Thanks, MCM.

Collectively, gaining a better idea of the problems of EO lines and AIO cabinets.