Purpose of MSAN - Multi-Service Access Node

What is the purpose of MSAN - Multi-Service Access Node, for what reasons it install in the telecom network today I will try to explain in details. Each component of the network has an important role, similarly MSAN has a special role in the telecom network. Actually MSAN provide a connection between a telephone line to the central network in a telephone exchange. We can also that MSAN are very important and essential part for providing a host of services such as ISDN, broadband and the telephone.

Multi-Service Access Node (MSAN) is a type of FTTN network. Fibers are connected to an existing node which is serving users with copper pair but below the required bandwidth. MSAN installation is cost-effective when utilizing existing copper network to provide voice and xDSL services to residential and enterprise customers.

MSAN Rack

MSAN-Multi-Service Access Node

For what reasons install a new MSAN

In general, most of the telecom operators installs a new MSAN for one of the following reasons:
1. Remote Access Node (RAN) replacement: whenever an existing RAN needs replacement to fulfil the bandwidth and services requirement. In this case a job is issued to replace the RAN with an MSAN.

2. Medium Bandwidth requirements in brown field areas: when the bandwidth demand increases and it can’t be fulfilled with the existing copper network, but not high enough to invest in a new FTTH network. The solution in this case is to install an outdoor MSAN cabinet to increase the bit-rate to the end customer.

3. Key Account Customers (KAC) who already have existing copper in their internal wiring system: in this case an indoor MSAN is installed inside the telecom room of the customer site.

There are two types of MSAN installation, 1. Exchange based MSAN,install inside the telephone exchange. 2.Cabinet based MSAN, which install road side.In general, for MSAN backhauling, 4 fibers P2P are required from the MSAN to the host site where the PE-Agg is located.

Under OSP design perspective, MSAN scenario can be considered as a type of KAC demanding P2P services with 4 fibers. MSAN scenarios can’t be produced in FTTH type FDT areas because in those areas all the access network is replaced by fiber end-to-end.The OSP-Designer will provide fiber connectivity from the MSAN ODF up to an ODF in the host exchange.

In some cases, where there is no PE-Agg available in the nearest exchange, the connectivity passes through the exchange to the host where the PE-Agg is available. In that case, if the backhauling type is Dark Fiber (DF), the OSP-Designer will check the availability of dark fibers between the exchange and host site by conducting survey and consulting Fiber Optic Assignment team.

The availability of dark fibers must be checked before starting the design. If fibers are not available the DP must be sent back to planning to change the solution or to issue a new DP for a new cable.

A network survey must be conducted to test the dark fiber (DF), then a request to be sent to Fiber Optic Assignment team to reserve those fibers to the MSAN work order. In case than no dark fiber (DF) available between the exchange and the host, the DP must be sent to planning, one of the following solutions can be provided:
➥To connect the MSAN through an existing or new transmission system (e.g. SDH or DWDM).
➥To connect the MSAN directly to the host site.
➥To issue a new DP to install a new cable between the exchange and the host site.
➥To install a new PE-Agg in the exchange.

The distance between the MSAN and the host site must not exceed 10% over the “distance to the host” given in the PD. If that is not possible or in case the distance is not given in the PD, the DP must be sent back to planning to revise and make sure that the ISP equipment supports the new distance.

RULES FOR DESIGNING THE BACK-HAULING TO MSAN

Different rules based on the project/scenario must be followed when designing the back-hauling to MSAN.

RAN REPLACEMENT

➤When a DP is received for RAN replacement, the OSP-Designer should always utilize the existing infrastructure in order to minimize the cost. The best solution for this scenario is to install the MSAN collocated into the RAN cabinet. A new 12-Fiber cable will be installed from the MSAN to the closest MH/HH to the RAN, then 4 fibers from the new cable to the existing cable must be spliced.
➤In case there are limited fibers in the cable, designers must check the connectivity diagram of the RAN to find if the RAN is found connected to the host site using a two-site ring (i.e. only the RAN and host site are on that ring). Should that be the case, two fibers from the RAN can be cut and temporarily used for the MSAN until the cut-over is complete, then the remaining two fibers are cut and connected to the MSAN.
➤If the proposed MSAN can’t be installed co-located to the existing RAN, for permit or space issues, a new 12-fiber cable to be installed in the drop portion from the MSAN the nearest MH/HH, and a 288-Fiber cable from the MH to the nearest splicing point if DF’s are available.

BAD CABLE PROJECTS

➤The purpose of this project is to install an MSAN cabinet close to copper cabinets in order to provide higher bandwidth to the already connected customers.
➤Designers must make sure that the targeted areas are not covered by FTTH network, nor a proposed FTTH civil in that area. If the area is already covered by FTTH network then the PD must be sent back to planning with clear identification of the FTTH covered area.
➤Designers must not add any extra copper cabinet or boundary without referring to planning department. Planning needs to dimension the ISP requirement to accommodate this addition.
➤In case that the exchange is not the same as the host site the designer must make sure that dark fibers between the exchange and host are available and reserved before starting the design.
➤The location of the cabinet should be selected so that it centralized between the copper cabinets, taking into consideration the required permit from the authorities.
➤The distance from the MSAN to the customers must not exceed 1200m, otherwise DP should be sent to planning to be revised.
➤Long Distance and Junction Network cables must not be used to connect an MSAN.
➤Existing civil and cables must be utilized. A new 12-fiber cable to be installed in the drop portion from the MSAN the nearest MH/HH, and a 288-Fiber cable from that MH/HH to the nearest splicing point if DF’s are available.
➤When a new cable is designed, it must be taken into consideration all future requirements to be available for future FTTH network.

KEY ACCOUNT (KA) CUSTOMER

➤In case the connecting exchange is not the same as the host site the designer must make sure that fibers are available and reserved before starting the design.
➤The building must be surveyed, counting number of customers and type of customers (small business, medium business, or enterprise), telecom room location, and entrance to the telecom room.
➤Drop cable must be dimension so that each customer can have 4 fibers, with a total minimum 24 fibers.
➤The drop cable to be installed to the nearest MH/HH, and 288 cable to the nearest splicing point.
➤In case the requested service is platinum, the designer must make sure that there is full route redundancy for the two paths from the customer telecom room to the host exchanges.
➤Long Distance &Junction Network cables must not be used to connect an KAC MSAN.
➤When a new cable is designed, all future requirements to be available for future FTTH network must be taken into consideration.