Core network work moves forward

Cyan equipment installers have been working around the fiber ring in the past two weeks to get the core network operational. Testing will continue to take place, as well as circuit provisioning and turn-up on the network.

Broadband Excitement

Cyan equipment installers have been working across the region moving forward on turning up the regional ring. NESC has been shadowing Cyan while visiting sites being served by the project. NESC will continue identifying and labeling the network entity devices as part of the field work. Testing will follow, which would start the beginning of February. This will ensure fiber is fully functional from end to end! Circuits have already starting to come online.

Crews working on broadband project

Outside plant construction is nearing the end of the season for the Northeast Minnesota Middle Mile Fiber Project. Crews have been working on fiber terminations and splicing as the network is moving toward operation. NESC is in the field labeling and preparing circuits for turn up. There will be more than 180 sites that will be turned up. Then, construction will continue to bring fiber to more critical sites in 2013. Photo is of Cyan staff late fall working at one of the Optical Transport Network sites as part of the project.

Equipment installs

Representatives from Cyan and GE Battery were installing equipments at OTNs across the region this week as part of the broadband project. Pictured is a representative from Cyan at the Citon facility in downtown Duluth.

2012 Construction

Inside wiring has occurred at anchor sites that requested inside wiring. Fiber terminations are currently taking place at the sites that were constructed to in 2011. Also, contractors have been performing drops across the region to NESC anchor sites. The contractors continue work on the OTN facilities.

Fiber terminations being scheduled

NESC will be terminating fiber starting in September across the region. This will include mounting a fiber termination device at facilities that have outside plant cable complete. We will work with the anchors on scheduling when someone will be at anchor sites to terminate the fiber.

Project update

The pre-construction meeting for 2012 construction was conducted Thursday at NESC. One important next step is contact approval from Washington. A schedule of construction for 2012 is expected to be put together and is still forthcoming. Work on the Optical Transport Network sites is still currently being performed and fiber testing is still taking place. Fiber terminations are also expected to be scheduled starting mid-month.