Draka offers free network design software for UK rural broadband

Fiber and cable supplier Draka, part of the Prysmian Group, says it will provide design analysis and simulation studies at no charge for small communities in the UK looking to build a business case to fund superfast broadband projects.

“We have been impressed by the enthusiasm of community groups, such as Project Golden Thread in Kent, to connect themselves to fast broadband backbones,” said Edgar Aker, business development manager, Prysmian Group, Telecom Solutions. “Following our continuing sponsorship of the NextGen Broadband Roadshows in the UK and Northern Ireland we increasingly recognize that one of the keys to success lies in the need to establish a robust and convincing business case based upon return on investment (ROI).

“FTTH is the only future-proof solution for a symmetrical ultra high bandwidth network when compared with VDSL or satellite transmission, which is extremely asymmetrical and requires large dishes for true, useable bandwidth,” Aker continued. “Today, we are committing to offer Draka’s network design software and experience to benefit local communities in the UK and throughout Europe free of charge.”

While services may change frequently, the right passive infrastructure can last between 20-30 years, enabling the active network to be future proofed for three to four years, Draka asserts. From a business case perspective, cost calculation should therefore focus on the passive layer, using accurate design and planning to reduce capital and operational expenditures (capex and opex, respectively).

The use of design and planning software and installing the latest products and innovations minimizes risk and significantly lowers the total cost of operations (TCO), Draka adds. The company asserts that its design and planning software creates the most cost-effective and efficient network by automating, sequencing, and simplifying components and processes. By incorporating intelligent mathematical algorithms, users can change parameters and design various network concepts quickly.

“With the right tools, passive fiber networks are environment-friendly, quick, and non-disruptive to install, especially for rural communities,“ Aker concludes.