Considerations and concerns for survivability of the Chicago MSA fiber optic network

The Illinois Bell fiber network in the Chicago MSA (market service area) was designed with survivability in mind. The built-in survivability protects against the most vulnerable component of the network, the outside plant. To improve network survivability, changes are being made to the network. The resulting modified architecture double hubs offices and prevents future occurrences of total isolation. The modified network builds on the strengths of the embedded fiber network architecture. It provides a cost-effective solution to a growing need for better and more reliable telecommunications services. The modified network is capable of effectively utilizing changes and improvements in fiber optic technology but is not dependent on any single product capability or product implementation. The modified network does not impose an administrative burden, but rather makes it possible to carefully think through the administrative requirements of the advancing fiber networks and push for faster, more complete and efficient implementation of administrative support