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From: Jim.Redelfs@iugate.unomaha.edu (Jim Redelfs)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Re: AT&T Service Interruption
Message-ID: <16013@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 12 Jan 91 08:57:45 GMT
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 11, Issue 29, Message 4 of 10


>     In the 1980s, long-distance companies laid thousands of miles of
> high-capacity optical fiber cables, which carry phone calls or data in
> enormous volume as rapid pulses of light. But some research has raised
> concerns that concentration of calling through single wires brings a
> higher threat of disruption.

US WEST Communications (NE) is offering special, "self-healing"
(whatever THAT means) fiber service to major business.  I have
forgotten the two options, but one includes installing TWO cables to
the business, fed from opposite directions.  One is (presumably) idle
(spare?) while the other one operates.  In the event of an outage, the
system automatically (again, presumably) switches to the back-up
cable.


JR

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