Verizon (FiOS) (Off Topic?)

[Ben Scott]

On 1/26/06, Sean <rsh.lists at comcast.net> wrote:
> Anyway, the size of the box just to hold the excess fiber here in the
> house is impressive! Size is about 12x17x7.
> Most of this box is empty space.

  Yeah, the major purpose of those things is to maintain the minimum
bend radius.  It is very easy to crack a fibre line if you bend it too
sharply, and they are expensive, and hard to fix.

> I do not see why they cannot combine these units together.

  I'm sure it's possible.  But there are reasons not to, too.  The
commodity approach makes purchasing more flexible.  A modular design
simplifies logistics and lends itself to multi-use components.  When
it comes to battery packs, weight and shelf life also factor in.  In
fact, the battery pack is likely to be a standard part for them. 
Telcos run *everything* off 48V battery systems.

-- Ben