Use of tie cables and HDF for DSLAMs
A key milestone in exemption request #9 from Ofcom’s Statement of 21st December 2006 was reached on 30th June 2007. Since this date, all requests for DSLAM footprint growth in 20CN sites should be requested and provided on an EOI basis via the normal LLU ordering and provisioning process (the only exception is for extensions to existing BT Wholesale DSLAMs installed in existing line suites). This specifically means that for any 20CN site where BT Wholesale have a DSLAM footprint growth site they have to use Openreach LLU tie cables and a Handover Distribution Frame (HDF).
To enable this, Openreach launched the standalone HDF product (available on an EOI basis to all Communications Providers (CPs), not just BT Wholesale). The HDF (whether the standalone version or as part of Openreach’s LLU Co-Mingling Product) enables any CP to install a DSLAM with a clear demarcation point between the CP and the Openreach provided LLU tie cable.
All CPs now order all footprint growth for DSLAMs and their associated tie cables via the LLU process.
The first standalone HDFs and LLU tie cables are currently being handed over to BT Wholesale and ensure that all growth in 20CN sites as from 1st July 2007 is ordered and provisioned on an EOI basis in line with the requirements of the exemption.