fiber optics

science
November 7, 2012
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Wales University Fiber

Scientists working on new broadband tech that could create 2000x faster fiber speeds

By on November 7, 2012 at 12:33 AM.

Scientists working on new broadband tech that could create 2000x faster fiber speeds

Think Google (GOOG) Fiber is fast? Whatever. Some scientists in Wales are brewing something that’s 2,000 times better. As ISPreview reports, a group of scientists working at the Welsh Bangor University are trying to create “a commercially affordable method of using Optical Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OOFDM) over fibre optic lines, which could deliver broadband ISP speeds that are 2,000 times faster than current services.” What makes this especially cool is that the researchers are gearing this technology specifically toward home and business Internet connections and not toward infrastructure such as undersea cables. Bangor University Professor Jianming Tang said that the new technology will deliver insanely fast speeds while also providing “a guaranteed quality of services at a price that subscribers are currently paying for their current 20Mb/s services, regardless of subscribers’ home location.”

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News
April 11, 2009
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AT&T sabotage plot thickens

By on April 11, 2009 at 2:13 PM.

AT&T sabotage plot thickens

The Fiber Felons? The Cable Crooks? The Manhole Mobsters? Whatever you want to call them, it’s looking more and more like an organized team carried out the fiber optic cable cutting we first discussed yesterday. To recap quickly, after the onset of a severe service outage in Northern California on Thursday, it was discovered that fiber belonging to AT&T had been intentionally severed. The result — landline, internet and cellular outages across the region. Now the plot thickens, as this doesn’t appear to be an isolated incident. Following Thursday’s findings, similar cuts have since been discovered in three additional manholes spanning two cities. That’s no accident. While service has been restored to the area, AT&T means business when it comes to bringing the culprits to justice; the $100,000 reward for information leading to convictions has been upped to $250,000. Many speculate this is the handiwork of some disgruntled ex-employees but so far any theories are just that. With the bounty now at $250k however, it might not be long before the solid leads begin to flow.

[Via Between the Lines]

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News
April 10, 2009
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AT&T becomes victim of sabotage in Northern California

By on April 10, 2009 at 1:07 PM.

AT&T becomes victim of sabotage in Northern California

Fiber optic cables are typically well-protected from damage or anything that would sever them. Early on the morning of April 9th however, fiber optic cables belonging to AT&T were cut and it was no accident. Whoever cut the cables knew exactly where they were going and what they were cutting as equipment was required to lift manhole covers and cut through thickly coated and covered wires. If the vandals responsible for this were targeting AT&T, they must have missed the fact that Verizon and Sprint also relied on those cables and were affected by the damage, too. Landlines, cell phones and Internet connections are affected – including the ability to make 911 emergency calls. A spokesman for AT&T said, “Clearly, we have some vandalism. Someone purposefully and deliberately cut the wires.” No one knows when services will be restored and AT&T is offering $100,000 for information that leads to the conviction of these criminals (you can call (408) 947-7867 or (650) 802-4423 with any information you might have). As of this morning, AT&T reports that services have been restored.

Thanks, Jess.

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