Planning the Irish rural network

The local network is planned in two stages; a main cable stage, between the exchange, or remote subscriber unit (RSU) and the cross connection point (CCP), and a distribution stage between the CCP and the customer termination (or between exchange and customer termination if no CCP is used). Network treatment and pair gain devices are being evaluated on a continuous basis. Most of the units described here are in use in the network. There are three categories of special device; line treatment gadgets, pair-gain systems and radio systems. The units are described briefly. Devices which were evaluated, but are not in use are included. Ways of serving communities of varying size and location are then discussed. Some cost comparisons are made. The direction of current work on the rural network is indicated