---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message-ID: <82dadb32-3487-f8e2-014d-61fd27f128dd@ieee.org> Date: 13 Oct 2020 17:30:15 -0400 From: "Eric Tappert" <tappert@ieee.org> Subject: CO backup power Bob, Things are a bit more complicated than that. First of all there are loop carrier/multiplexer units in the field that have very limited battery backup, some as short as 2 hours, rarely longer than 7 or 8. If you're on one of those, a week's backup at the CO is useless. As for DSL, I'm not sure there is any requirements for the CO equipment to have battery backup, as it is a relatively new and unregulated service. Also, since divestiture the old Bell System rules have generally been phased out to maximize profits. There was strong telecom opposition to the FCC rules I mentioned in my last post. Unfortunately, I think Bill is right - phone service these days is "when we feel like it". On the other hand, the telcos haven't replaced a lot of the older switches, which had decent backup power. The original purpose of the battery backup wasn't to maintain service in the event of power failures, rather it was to save maintenance costs associated with replacing batteries in phones on customer premises. In fact, the Bell System saved over a million dollars the first year this was installed over 120 years ago, a nice bundle at the time that got better as they converted more offices.. Battery backup is expensive and the batteries have a short life (about 20 years in a CO building, only about 5 years in outside plant). Often the backup generators were installed as the building was being built and as the switches were upgraded the load dropped considerably. Some telcos have agreements with local utilities to drop off the utility, go on generator and feed the excess capacity back to the grid, all for a reduced rate from the utility. Utilities use it to help their supply through peaks. Of course the old stuff does wear out and replacements cost money, if you can even get them in the building.... Wired loops are on the way out, being replaced by fiber and radio. Don't expect any improvements to POTS and recognize that expensive and rarely used things like backup power will degrade. Just my two cents... Eric Tappert PS - As an interesting aside, the power failure in New York back in 1965 shut the city down for a few days. Calling volume, however, more than doubled as everybody had to call everybody and tell them the power was off. New York Tel had those magic "message units" billing and they made out like bandits. The reserve power group at Bell Labs got a nice boost in their budget for a few years after that profitable experience. These kind of events only happen rarely though, so they aren't often seen in the quarterly profit statements... ------------------------------ Message-ID: <rm2v2i$uns$1@dont-email.me> Date: 13 Oct 2020 01:14:58 -0000 From: "bob prohaska" <bp@www.zefox.net> Subject: Re: CO backup power Bill Horne <malQassRimiMlation@gmail.com> wrote: > > The weakest link in the emergency-power chain is the Controlled > Environment Vault (CEV). Many have only a few hours of battery > capability, and their battery maintenance is sometimes haphazard. New term to me. Is it a larger version of a "node", one of those boxes on streetcorners where premisis wiring connects to a fiber or network cable on the way to the CO? The only reference I could find is https://ebiznet.sbc.com/sbcnebs/Documents/ATT-TP-76200.pdf ... which doesn't say a word about power backup. > Some larger vaults have built-in or adjacent generators, but many > others have only a power plug that connects a portable genset which > must be transported, refueled, and safeguarded by mobile power crews > that can be thwarted by flooded intersections, downed trees, or > theft. That sounds like it'd be no better than a cellphone tower. Maybe worse. > Let's face it: the "Alwways on, always works" phone service of my > youth has been replaced by "When we feel like it, you're not > important enough" compromises that follow economic lines. The only > thing keeping many low-profit areas in the power plans at all is the > power of the insurance lobby - along with politicians, both in fear > of having to actually deliver on their promises. What's the most reliable sort of telecom remaining? Still POTS, or maybe something else, like a carrier-agnostic cellular device (if such a thing exists...)? Thanks for replying! bob prohaska ------------------------------ Message-ID: <rm5d9v$ckp$1@dont-email.me> Date: 13 Oct 2020 23:30:07 -0000 From: "bob prohaska" <bp@www.zefox.net> Subject: Re: Top 10 Best Dsl Router Modems 2020 Bill Horne <malQassRimiMlation@gmail.com> wrote: > Although the URL below points to some ratings of "DSL-compatible" > routers, I'm really looking for advice. Here's the question: how do I > make a router with an Ethernet input work with a DSL line? I don't have > any TU's left in my pile 'o parts, so the question is really "What's the > most cost-effective solution?" > Perhaps a D-Link DSL-520B ? https://www.target.com/p/d-link-dsl-520b-adsl2-modem-router-dsl-2-ports-slotsfast-ethernet-adsl/-/A-78400531 For some reason on Amazon they cost a fortune now, though I bought one a year or two ago for about $50. It's DSL phone line in, ethernet out. No Wifi. HTH, apologies if I misunderstood the question. bob prohaska ------------------------------ Message-ID: <65720EC4-E58E-4FF9-8E2A-986797A6BEF7@roscom.com> Date: 14 Oct 2020 00:42:07 -0400 From: "Monty Solomon" <monty@roscom.com> Subject: Apple's new iPhones won't ship with earbuds or wall chargers Apple's new iPhone 12 lineup will ship without wall chargers or Lightning EarPods in the box to reduce the phone's environmental impact, the company announced today. Instead, they'll come with just a USB-C to Lightning cable. As well as the new phones, Apple is also removing the accessories from its existing iPhone models going forward. https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/13/21514480/apple-iphone-charging-brick-charger-earbuds-box-environmental-impact-carbon-emissions ***** Moderator's Note ***** Good old Apple: the canonical example of the triumph of style over value. From proprietary connectors attached to easy-to-break con- necting cables that only Apple could replace, to this slick eco- friendly disinformation campaign, all aimed at proving that a fool and his money were lucky to get together in the first place. Good luck, Apple groupies: enjoy your new, improved, oh-so-pricey sense of exclusivity and status. Bill Horne Moderator ------------------------------ ********************************************* End of telecom Digest Thu, 15 Oct 2020