Table of Contents:

Definition and Overview

1. Rural Market Characteristics

2. Population Shifts and Changed Expectations

3. Rural versus Urban Telephony

4. Rural FSN Architectures

5. HFC Network for Rural Applications

6. A Fiber System for the Rural FSN

7. Wireless Access to the Rural FSN

8. High-Speed Digital Access in the Rural FSN

9. Conclusion

Self-Test

Glossary

PDF of this tutorial

In summary, the service expectations of the rural FSN, although much more difficult to meet, are pretty much the same as those in urban areas. The operators in rural areas face unique challenges, such as longer, less-dense loops; thinly staffed operations; and varying service needs. There are a number of methods of providing FSN capabilities, and there is no single correct implementation. The only right rural FSN is the one that makes the most profit.