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Features
Responding to Tomorrow's Technology
6/4/2004
Creighton is among the first academic institutions in the nation to implement
Blolite, an optical fiber system into residence halls—utilizing the maximum
density of 12 Blolite fiber optic cables per tube.
A Forward-Thinking Approach
The concept of a blown optical fiber system involves installing a network of empty tubes, called Microduct. Fiber optic cable is then easily blown into the tubes as required by immediate or future network demands. Driven by the need to remain technologically competitive while challenged with IT funding, schools and universities, especially, benefit from the extraordinary design flexibility and “pay-as-you-grow” features of blown optical fiber networks.
When Rick Brokofsky, director of telecommunications at Creighton University encountered General Cable/NextGen Fiber Optics’ Blolite blown optical fiber system (www.blolite.net), he was captivated by the technology and what it could mean for Creighton University. In a Blolite system, sections of Microduct tubes are joined together with push-fit connectors and installed throughout the campus to extend pathways to each network destination. Once the tubes are in place, a two-person crew uses specialized equipment that delivers compressed air to propel up to 12 optical fibers through each tube. Only the amount of fiber required by the network at the initial installation is blown into the tubes while spare tubes remain empty to accommodate future fiber installations.
Although fiscal limitations can often impede initial spending, a network infrastructure should be considered a long-term investment designed to support future network requirements. Because the information-carrying capacity of fiber optic cabling is essentially infinite, a blown optical fiber system will support Creighton for several decades. “For maximum cost effectiveness as we remodel or build new campus buildings, we have to strive to make them technologically sound for a minimum of 30 years,” says Brokofsky.
The built-in adaptability and capacity of a blown optical fiber infrastructure
provides complete design control now and in the future, ensuring maximum bandwidth
for the highest value with the lowest possible risk. This gives Creighton a
competitive advantage. Because the rate of technological change is increasing
and network capacity is essential to enhanced learning, teaching, and campus
communication, a flexible network design that allows for virtually unlimited
growth in a simple, cost-effective manner is key to Creighton’s future.
Figure 1: Compressed air is delivered to propel up to 12 optical fibers through each Microduct tube.
An Ideal Infrastructure
Using blown optical fiber technology, Creighton University is currently upgrading its network infrastructure to a true star configuration, with the center of the star located in the lower level of the Reinert/Alumni Memorial Library, in the heart of the main campus.
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