Running extra fiber optic cable during initial installation, even if it seems excessive, is a highly recommended practice. Future-proofing your network infrastructure with spare fiber significantly reduces cost and effort later on. Pulling new cable is disruptive and expensive, while having readily available dark fiber allows for easy expansion, upgrades, and redundancy without the hassle of major construction or downtime. This upfront investment pays off in the long run by providing flexibility and adaptability to unforeseen technological advancements and increasing bandwidth demands.
This blog post, titled "If you get the chance, always run more extra network fiber cabling," emphatically advocates for the practice of installing significantly more fiber optic cable than immediately necessary during any network infrastructure project. The author, Chris Siebenmann, posits that the seemingly excessive upfront cost and effort of laying down surplus fiber is dwarfed by the long-term benefits and avoided future expenses. He argues that the cost of fiber optic cable itself is relatively minor compared to the labor involved in pulling cable through walls, ceilings, and other often difficult-to-access spaces. Therefore, while the material cost increases slightly with additional fiber, the labor cost remains largely the same.
Siebenmann illustrates this point with a hypothetical scenario: imagine needing to run fiber to a new location after the initial cabling installation. If extra fiber was installed initially, the new connection is a simple matter of patching in the existing, unused fiber. Conversely, if no extra fiber exists, the entire laborious and disruptive process of pulling new cable must be repeated. This not only incurs significant direct costs but also leads to indirect costs such as business disruption and potential damage to existing infrastructure during the new cable installation.
The author further emphasizes the unpredictability of future network needs. It is difficult, if not impossible, to accurately forecast the bandwidth requirements and connectivity demands of future applications and technologies. Installing ample extra fiber provides a buffer against this uncertainty, ensuring the network can readily adapt to unforeseen demands. He suggests running at least twice the fiber currently deemed necessary, and ideally even more, particularly in long runs or difficult-to-access locations. This proactive approach, while seemingly extravagant in the short term, serves as a form of insurance against future network bottlenecks and costly rework.
The core message is that the comparatively small upfront investment in extra fiber optic cabling translates into substantial long-term cost savings, increased flexibility, and a more resilient and adaptable network infrastructure. This proactive strategy minimizes future disruption, facilitates easy expansion, and ultimately provides a significantly higher return on investment compared to a more reactive approach of installing only the immediately required cabling. Siebenmann concludes by strongly urging readers to adopt this practice whenever the opportunity presents itself, emphasizing that they will undoubtedly appreciate the foresight in the long run.
Summary of Comments ( 86 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43471177
HN commenters largely agree with the author's premise: running extra fiber is cheap insurance against future needs and troubleshooting. Several share anecdotes of times extra fiber saved the day, highlighting the difficulty and expense of retrofitting later. Some discuss practical considerations like labeling, conduit space, and potential damage during construction. A few offer alternative perspectives, suggesting that focusing on good documentation and flexible network design can sometimes be more valuable than simply laying more fiber. The discussion also touches on the importance of considering future bandwidth demands and the increasing prevalence of fiber in residential settings.
The Hacker News post "If you get the chance, always run more extra network fiber cabling" generated a lively discussion with several insightful comments. Many commenters strongly agreed with the premise of running extra fiber, emphasizing the relatively low cost of the cable itself compared to the labor involved in installation, making it a worthwhile investment for future-proofing.
Several users shared anecdotes reinforcing this point. One commenter recounted a situation where pre-running extra fiber saved them significant time and money when they unexpectedly needed to expand their network infrastructure. Another highlighted the difficulty and expense of retrofitting fiber in older buildings, emphasizing the wisdom of over-provisioning during initial construction.
A few commenters offered practical advice on implementing this strategy. Suggestions included labeling cables clearly, using high-quality cable for longevity, and considering future bandwidth needs. One commenter specifically recommended using OM5 fiber for its higher bandwidth capacity, while another cautioned against going overboard and advocated for a balanced approach based on reasonable future needs. This commenter argued against running exorbitant amounts of fiber "just because," and instead recommended a sensible approach to over-provisioning.
The discussion also touched on the importance of proper documentation. Commenters stressed the need for accurate records of cable runs, including detailed diagrams and labeling, to facilitate future maintenance and upgrades. This was highlighted as particularly important in larger or more complex installations where tracking cable runs can become difficult.
Some users also mentioned the potential benefits of dark fiber – unused optical fiber – for future expansion or leasing opportunities. This was presented as another argument for installing more fiber than immediately necessary.
Finally, a few comments addressed the broader context of network planning, emphasizing the importance of considering not just fiber but also other aspects of network infrastructure like conduit space and power distribution. These commenters argued for a holistic approach to network design, considering all interconnected elements.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News strongly supported the idea of running extra fiber cabling whenever possible, citing cost savings, future-proofing, and the challenges of retrofitting. The discussion provided practical advice on implementation and highlighted the importance of documentation and a comprehensive approach to network planning.