Here are six questions to ask when deciding if fiber pedestals are a viable solution in your PON architecture.  Circle your response, then continue reading to see if fiber pedestals are your solution.

1. Are there community/neighborhood codes or covenants that prohibit the use of above-grade enclosures or pedestals?    YES  or  NO
A “NO” answer suggests fiber pedestals are a viable solution.

2. Is the placement of the enclosure in an unusually high traffic area? Will it require protection or isolation from traffic?    YES  or  NO
A “NO” answer suggests fiber pedestals are a viable solution.

3. Will the enclosure require frequency or ease of access for maintenance, provisioning, growth, etc.?    YES  or  NO
A “YES” answer suggests fiber pedestals are a viable solution.

4. Will the enclosure require access in all environmental conditions, such as high water, snow, ice, etc.?    YES  or  NO
A “YES” answer suggests fiber pedestals are a viable solution.

5. Does the pedestal house a high-capacity feeder or is it used for normal distribution?    HIGH CAPACITY FEEDER  or  NORMAL DISTRIBUTION
(High capacity applications may require physical isolation or below-grade solutions for protection and network integrity. Normal distribution applications, generally, do not require below-grade solutions.)
“NORMAL DISTRIBUTION” suggests fiber pedestals are a viable solution.

6. Is speed of placement and the technician’s familiarity with installation practices a consideration?    YES  or  NO
A “YES” answer suggests fiber pedestals are a viable solution.

What’s your take on this subject?  Leave a comment and get the conversation going.