A Local Area Network is the muscle that interconnects computers and holds together the telecommunication networks and internet links within a hotel premise. In other words, it is the foundation that makes up the entire business connectivity of a hotel—an “octopus” network as how they referred to it in the past. Today the demand for higher speed interconnection continues to rise up as the number of internet-based applications also grows. And it cannot be avoided. Video streaming, video conferences, digital voice services, security services and wireless devices are of prime importance if a hotel business wants to extend the best amenities and services in the hospitality industry. Hence, the remedy of cost-cutting is out of the question.
Well, that leads to the question, how does a hotel management “manage” when confronted with this problem? Many hotels are already finding the answer in Passive Optical LAN (POL). Basically composed of single mode to multipoint fiber through unpowered splitters, an optical LAN allows simultaneous multiple services essential in setting up reliable security services. Also, unlike the typical copper cables, optical LAN has the green thumb when it comes to lesser cabling footprint. Truth be told, copper-based networks are limited in bandwidth and connectivity and speed. A certified fiber optic technician can attest to this because, on top of that, copper-based networks are difficult to manage and maintain.
Perhaps we couldn’t be bothered before as much as we are today, but it’s now quite apparent that the hospitality industry is already struggling against bandwidth-hungry security and management necessities that hotel owners are pushed to resort to short term solutions such as reconstructing and replacing old copper cabling, and back again after a certain period of time. Reconstruct. Replace. Repeat. It’s cheaper, but in the long run, it sums up to a much more costly expenditure. And let’s not forget what cabling footprint does to Mother Nature. The whole trouble that could compromise the business isn’t just worth it. Here’s to give a bigger picture of the greener side:
Less Cabling, Less Costly
It does make sense because considering it’s a single mode to multipoint fiber architecture, it follows that there’s less cabling to spend on and pay for installment, and by extension, means lower network building costs. It’s also noted that POL has lower operational costs on a yearly basis.
More room for revenues—literally
As optical LAN doesn’t eat up much space in a hotel building because of its reduced cabling requirements, it goes to say that telecommunication rooms, as well powering and cooling infrastructures, can now be taken off the picture. These now available spaces can be converted to other amenities or for the expansion of lounges and leisure spaces of the hotel.
Safe and Secure
Optical LAN cabling does not emit electromagnetic radiation unlike the copper-wired amenities. Although there’s no definite gauge of safe level in radiation, it is still advisable to limit our exposure to EMI radiation. And since it does not require much constant monitoring, it is then not susceptible to human errors such as negligence or a case of overlooking an important procedure.
The faster transmission of data through these thin strands of glass that is fiber optics has made a significant change, if not, revolutionized the entire network systems not just in the hospitality industry but also in other fields of profession. There’s been a demand for a fiber optic technician training in various work industries. For one, the concept of fiber optics is used in the medicine industry especially in a surgical procedure when endoscopy is necessary. Fiber-optic endoscope is done to visualize the interior of the body using a long thin optical shaft that passes through the mouth or rectum. Light is directed to the surgery area inside the body and transmits the images to a monitor for the doctors to see. In this method, the number and size of incisions done to a patient is minimal to zero where endoscopy can be applicable. Fiber optic cables also play a major role in mechanical inspections especially places that are hard to reach such as inside the pipes. Engineers or plumbers do not have to physically crawl through their way in whenever there’s an on-site inspection.
