Dark Fiber Last Mile refers to the segment of fiber optic infrastructure that connects the middle mile network directly to individual homes or businesses. In this model, the community builds the entire fiber network, including the last mile, but leases it to private providers. These providers then install the necessary electronics, operate the network, and deliver services to end-users.

Dark Fiber in Network Infrastructure

In network terminology, there are three main segments:

1. Backbone: Comparable to highways, these are major routes connecting cities and regions.
2. Middle Mile: These routes distribute data within a specific area, like city streets.
3. Last Mile (or Drop): These driveways connect individual homes to the network.

Dark Fiber Last Mile Open Access Model

In the Dark Fiber Last Mile Open Access model, a community builds the entire fiber infrastructure, extending all the way to individual homes and businesses. This dark fiber is then leased to private service providers who install the necessary electronics to light up the network and provide services.

Pros of Dark Fiber Last Mile Open Access

• Guaranteed Provider Interest: With the entire fiber infrastructure already in place, private providers are more likely to start delivering services immediately.
• Broad Coverage: Ensures that even economically weaker areas can be connected, as the physical infrastructure is already established.
• Simplified Operations: No need for the community to invest in network operations or electronic equipment.

Cons of Dark Fiber Last Mile Open Access

• Selective Electronic Deployment: Providers may focus on installing equipment in economically strong areas to maximize profits, potentially neglecting less profitable areas.
• Dependency on Providers: Although the community owns the final connection to end customers, agreements with private providers are necessary to deliver community services, as these providers control the network’s electronics.
• Reduced Customer Choice: High investment barriers for new providers can lead to monopolistic problems, such as high prices and potentially lower service quality.
• Infrastructure Space Requirements: Multiple providers require multiple fibers and sufficient space in network facilities (huts, handholes, etc.) to house their electronics.
• Higher Total Costs: Electronics may not be fully utilized if multiple providers operate in the same area, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

The Road System Comparison

To better understand the Dark Fiber Last Mile model, consider the following analogy:

• The backbone is like the highways connecting cities, ensuring regional connectivity.
• The middle mile is akin to the smaller streets within a city, distributing traffic.
• The last mile is like the driveways at homes, connecting individual residences to the larger network.

Without the backbone, a city cannot effectively connect to the global network; without the last mile, homes and businesses cannot access the network. In the Dark Fiber Last Mile model, the community invests in the entire network, ensuring comprehensive coverage and enabling private providers to offer services.

How COS Business Engine Supports Dark Fiber Last Mile

Our COS Business Engine software enables communities to efficiently manage their dark fiber infrastructure. By providing a platform for leasing and managing access to dark fiber, it ensures that private providers can easily utilize this infrastructure to deliver high-quality services to end-users.

Learn More About Dark Fiber Last Mile

To dive deeper into the concept of dark fiber last mile and how it can transform your network, explore our resources:

• • White Paper: Dare to Share Your Infrastructure and Generate More Revenue
  • White Paper: What is the Difference Between Open Access Models?
  • White Paper: The Difference Between Hitting a Homerun and Striking Out with Your Fiber Investment
  Learn more and book your demo today!