Powering fiber-in-the-loop systems

The advantages and disadvantages of centralized, local, and stand-alone solar (SAS) power systems for powering fiber-in-the-loop systems are discussed. The component costs of the three architectures and their life-cycle costs are estimated. It is shown that, while no single power architecture can be used ubiquitously, centralized power appears to have a cost advantage over local and SAS power for loop lengths less than about 5000 ft. For loops longer than 5000 ft., the optimum power architecture must be decided on a case-by-case basis.<>