The optical fibre distributed concentrator (OFDC)

The author considers several products that are used for rural communications, with emphasis on one particular product, the OFDC. He first examines the problem of providing cost-effective rural communications and touches on various possible solutions. The OFDC solution is then discussed in more detail. Emphasis is placed on the available features and services as well as the cost-effectiveness of the solution. The OFDC system, in principle, is an extension of the Siemens EWSD public exchange system. The OFDC connects directly to the digital line unit (DLU) or concentrator. This concentrator can be located either remotely or locally to the exchange. The proposed OFDC system will provide the user with the same service and facilities as if he were connected to an exchange directly.