Blog

FiberTRAX: Fiber Optic Installation alternative to Microtrenching

FiberTRAX: Fiber Optic Installation alternative to Microtrenching

Embedded fiber with paint on process allows installation rates beyond 10,000 feet a day. 

In the ever-evolving world of telecommunications, the demand for faster, more reliable internet and data transmission is constantly increasing. Traditional methods like microtrenching, have limitations. We welcome FiberTRAX; an installation alternative to microtrenching, providing a faster, more efficient, and cost-effective method for fiber optic cable deployment. As a FiberTRAX installation contractor, we are excited in what this can add to our service offering. FiberTRAX is revolutionizing how we approach fiber installations in certain areas where microtrenching has its shortcomings.

The Need for Speed and Efficiency

The need for high-speed internet and reliable data transmission is essential. Traditional methods can be time-consuming, expensive, and require extensive excavation, potentially disrupting the surrounding environment and causing delays. Being a Traxyl fiber installation contractor,  this tech has got us smiling from ear to ear as FiberTRAX addresses these limitations in a time we really needed this option.

FiberTRAX: A New Paradigm

FiberTRAX provides an installation alternative to microtrenching. The technology allows for fiber optic cables to be applied directly to the surface of paved areas. This is achieved by "painting" the fiber onto the pavement after a small etching is created to flush the finished product with the street surface. Partnering to become a Traxyl fiber installation contractor really upped our service offering extensively, as you will discover below this unique method that differs from microtrenching, offering distinct advantages.

The TRAXtor: The Heart of the Process

The centerpiece of the FiberTRAX system is the TRAXtor, a specialized machine designed to install fiber optic cable quickly and efficiently. The machine handles the entire process, simplifying installation and reducing the need for extensive labor. 

The FiberTRAX Advantage: Detailed Breakdown

  • Rapid Deployment: The FiberTRAX system significantly reduces installation time compared to microtrenching. This can translate to projects completed in days or hours rather than weeks or months, allowing for faster network upgrades and expansions.  It's not uncommon to lay down 10,000 feet a day with this system, versus upto a few thousand with other methods.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: By eliminating the need for extensive excavation and infill / reinstatement processes, the FiberTRAX process minimizes labor costs, equipment expenses, and potential disruption-related expenses. The efficiency of the process also contributes to overall cost savings, not only to the client, but to the Traxyl fiber installation contractor as well, in which we can use this advantage to offer highly affordable bids in relation to the alternatives.
  • Minimal Disruption: Unlike traditional trenching methods, FiberTRAX installations are minimally disruptive to the surrounding environment. The shallow depth of the "etch" means less disturbance to existing utilities and reduced traffic congestion during the installation process. 
  • Environmental Benefits: With a smaller footprint, FiberTRAX reduces the amount of material used, which in turn has a positive impact on the environment.
  • Installation Process: The FiberTRAX process starts with the TRAXtor etching a shallow channel into the pavement. The process reduces the environmental impact. A cable is inserted into the channel. A durable resin backfills the groove, sealing the cable into the pavement surface. The protective coating is cured in under an hour. This allows for traffic and pedestrians to resume with no impact to operations.
  • Maintenance and Cleanup: The debris from the process is vacuumed by the TRAXtor and can be disposed of in bags, unlike microtrenching where debris is disposed of by trucks.

Addressing Common Concerns

  • Durability: The resin used to seal the fiber is designed to be incredibly durable and withstand the rigors of daily traffic and environmental conditions just as they are in microtrenching. 
  • Scalability: FiberTRAX can accommodate a range of fiber counts, from 2 to 96 fibers, making it suitable for various applications, including last-mile connections and campus environments. As a Traxyl fiber installation contractor, we offer a range of services.

FiberTRAX represents a significant step forward in fiber optic installation technology. The technology is a perfect installation alternative to microtrenching, and one NDC stands behind. It offers a compelling combination of speed, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and minimal disruption.  As the demand for high-speed connectivity continues to grow, this innovative approach is well-positioned to become the standard for fiber deployment. The technology, by addressing many of the limitations of traditional installation methods, is poised to reshape the future of putting fiber in the ground.

National Data Contractor is excited to offer this great tech, and is proud to be a preferred installation partner with Traxyl in order to bring you this technology with our other services and installation options.  Call today for your quote!