Introduction
ILITHA is rolling out fibre optic internet in Ward 14, Mdantsane. This project uses FTTH (Fibre-to-the-Home) technology, ensuring fast, stable, and future-proof internet. This manual is designed for both sales teams and technicians to understand, sell, and maintain the network effectively.
How the Network Works
Think of fibre like a road system:
- Main Feeder Cable (Highway): Carries lots of data long distances.
- Distribution Routes (Main Roads): Branch into neighborhoods.
- Poles (Streetlights): Carry fibre overhead closer to homes.
- Splitters (Intersections): Divide fibre into smaller lines (1 cable → 8 homes).
- Joints (Connection Boxes): Where cables are spliced and linked.
- DPs (Distribution Points): Final pole connection before fibre goes into homes.
From the DP, fibre runs into the house, into an ONT, and connects to Wi-Fi routers.
Technical Architecture
1x 48F aerial fibre (2800m).
24F aerial cables (180m, 1150m, 200m, 190m).
Aggregation Zones
| AG Zone | Joint | Distribution Cables | Poles (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AG36 | Joint-36 | 3x cables (1230m each) | 9 | Serves P98–P99 |
| AG45 | Joint-45 | 7x cables (60–660m) | 14 | Serves P122–P125 |
Poles Distribution Graph
Network Diagram
The diagram illustrates how fibre flows from the Feeder to Aggregation Zones (AG36–AG45), then to Poles, and finally into Homes.
Roles of Teams
Sales Teams
Confirm coverage, explain fibre is in the street, and sell packages.
Technicians
Check nearest pole, monitor splitter capacity, maintain joints, and report issues.
Troubleshooting
- No Connection: Check DP on nearest pole → trace to Joint.
- Slow Speeds: Check splitter load (1:8 rule).
- Broken Cable: Replace aerial fibre between poles.
- Power Issue: Ensure ONT at customer premises has power.
Knowledge Quiz
What is the splitter ratio?
