Fibre optic networks are like the office IT department – rarely noticed when everything runs smoothly, but absolutely essential for keeping everything from Netflix streaming to public infrastructure functioning effortlessly.
But despite their importance, many fibre networks are vulnerable to failures – often going unnoticed until it’s too late.
And let’s face it, downtime isn’t just inconvenient – it’s a direct hit to revenue and customer trust, making predictive fibre monitoring an absolute necessity.
So, what’s driving this shift towards proactive maintenance, and how can tools like the Adtran ALM keep your network ahead of the curve?
What makes Fibre Networks Vulnerable?
Fibre optic cables are built to last, but even the toughest networks face challenges:
- Physical Damage: Construction accidents, wildlife interference, or accidental digging can disrupt underground fibre.
- Environmental Stress: Extreme temperatures, floods, and moisture compromise the integrity of fibre connections.
- Aging Infrastructure: Over time, even the best cables degrade, leading to signal loss and performance issues.
- Growing Demand: With 5G, IoT, and smart cities expanding, networks are under increasing strain.
Without proactive monitoring, these risks can go unnoticed, eventually resulting in outages, costly repairs, and customer dissatisfaction.