FiberTower’s
network uses a hybrid of Digital Radio Links (DRLs) and fiber-optic
SONET rings. To provide optimal network topology, FiberTower
constructs Fiber Exchange Points (FEPs), which reside on the
fiber SONET ring and from which DRLs are deployed to a number
of nearby base stations.
With DRL technology, FiberTower has taken digital
radio to new levels of performance and reliability. Our approach
includes the following: 
We build customized radio solutions. FiberTower works directly
with manufacturers and FCC guidelines to specify and design
digital radios with the highest levels of performance and
reliability, and with physical configurations and diagnostic
features that allow their seamless integration into FiberTower’s
sophisticated operational support and maintenance systems.
Secondly, FiberTower engineers its DRL paths with very generous
path margins well clear of any path obstructions. This virtually
eliminates the possibility of outage due to precipitation,
attenuation or multipath interference. It also allows the
use of small antennas that are simple to locate on towers
or building tops and which are not prone to losing alignment
in strong winds.
To further enhance reliability of its DRLs, FiberTower maintains
rigorous configuration and maintenance standards. All critical
links are fully redundant. As with all elements in the FiberTower
network, DRLs are continuously monitored, and those that exhibit
deteriorating performance are routinely replaced in a matter
of minutes during the carrier’s preventative maintenance window.
In the rare case of a sudden failure of a non-redundant DRL,
FiberTower’s local staff of tower certified field technicians
can typically restore operation in under 2 hours.
Finally, the inherent fail-safe reliability of fiber SONET
ring technology is well respected in the telecommunications
industry. FiberTower enhances this reliability, and that of
its DRLs, with constant end-to-end monitoring of every network
circuit, using redundant, geographically separated Network
Operations Centers (NOCs). These state-of-the-art facilities
are continuously staffed with highly trained operators who
can quickly identify and diagnose any network anomaly, and
can dispatch field technicians around-the-clock as required.
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How We Do It
