Today’s fiber outage once again highlights both how dependent we are on Internet connectivity and how fragile that connection is. This is the fourth break in less than a year. AT&T’s microwave backup system is totally inadequate. Satellite service works for some as a back up system and others who can afford a redundant connection through 101netlink are fine. But neither of these solutions are capable of carrying the load for the whole region.
I know that plans are being made to build an alternate fiber line along an east-west route. I only hope that this latest failure will accelerate the process. The new fiber line will not serve only as backup for emergencies but will be used much as the current line is and will provide the potential for more competitive pricing and for reaching areas still untouched by broadband services. This has got to get built now!
Personally, I support every attempt to get that second line in here. It’s long, long overdue.
Was glad to see you on the 11 o’clock news tonight, getting the issue out there.
First, the alternate fiber would not just be used as backup. It would have it’s own data flow.
Second, yes, of course, any line going anywhere would be subject to potential breaks. However, the current alternate fiber line plan would not have it running along highways where errant equipment doing other work could cut it. Nor would it be running through trees that have a tendency to crash and crack during storms.
Third, it would be a highly unlikely scenario that would bring down both lines at the same time. The concept would be that if one line goes down a central switch in Eureka would route all data from the broken line to the working line.
That being said, any complex system is subject to human and equipment failure. The idea is to reduce that risk as much as possible.
I’m wondering if a backup line would end up having as many problems as our main one?