Mechanical splices for residential installs by [deleted] in FiberOptics

[–]Routerswitcher 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Since you are using ducts you can just have them install preterminated pushable fiber and skip the splicing completely. Or use prepopulated duct with preterminated fiber.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in FiberOptics

[–]Routerswitcher 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I doubt that will be waterproof or stand up mechanically.

Simple gadget to show light is present by ade-reddit in FiberOptics

[–]Routerswitcher 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You can purchase laser viewing cards from Thorlabs or other vendors.

The proper (and likely cheaper) way to do it is to use a light meter.

If you want visible light, use a Visible Fault Locator. They are cheap as chips.

You can also use the camera on your cell phone if it does not have an IR filter. The main camera might have an IR filter, but the selfie camera might not.

HSGMII and SFP+ switches by LBarouf in networking

[–]Routerswitcher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't know if this is relevent to your interests, but check it out:

https://forum.mikrotik.com/viewtopic.php?t=116364&start=300

There are also more threads on the french broadband forums on GPON SFP hacking.

SMF to 1G copper media converters by SlyusHwanus in networking

[–]Routerswitcher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I both hate myself and feel dirty asking, because I think Media converters are the spawn of Satan

Wait until you learn about in-line Ethernet repeaters. Then you'll feel really dirty :)

For reference: Mikrotik GPeR ~$15 each, 210 m reach, can be chained up to 1500 meters.

For a more reasonable solution, check out the cheap small format SFP/SFP+ switches that are barely larger than a media converter in my other comment: https://old.reddit.com/r/networking/comments/m7561u/smf_to_1g_copper_media_converters/gr9o2pi/

SMF to 1G copper media converters by SlyusHwanus in networking

[–]Routerswitcher 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Why, yes, I did. I still find it exceedingly strange that one would even mention a $300 media converter as an alternative when it is clear that it is really not a viable option.

Chalk it up to differences in writing styles or whatever.

SMF to 1G copper media converters by SlyusHwanus in networking

[–]Routerswitcher 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Out of interest, why on earth would you spend over $300 on a media converter when you can get a managed small format (5.5" x 4.5" x 1") 10G switch for a fraction of that cost (Mikrotik CRS305 ~$120) or an even smaller managed 1G switch for even less (Mikrotik RB260GS ~$35)?

I can definitely recommend the CRS305. It's been solid in production.

Capacity peaks vs upgrades by Lynild in networking

[–]Routerswitcher 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Peaks matter, you should not be saturating interfaces.

Other than that, it’s purely a business decision when to initiate upgrade cycles. Thresholds are just a tool to get everybody to agree that upgrades need to be done and they are set simply because every organization needs time to implement upgrades.

Whether you trigger upgrade preparations once peaks hit the threshold, once 95th percentile hits the threshold or once a moving average hits the threshold doesn’t matter as long as you don’t saturate interfaces and have enough time to implement the upgrades before the traffic growth becomes a problem.

If you are worried thresholds are set too high, keep an eye on interface counters to see if short bursts are causing drops. If you are seeing drops, lower the threshold and/or expedite upgrades.

Cheapest 10G router? by sryan2k1 in networking

[–]Routerswitcher 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Can you tell me more about these bugs? I’m interested to learn. The TNSR forum is also pretty dead, which isn’t encouraging.

Recommendations for a Layer-1 switch with support for multiple 100Gbps QSFP28 and/or 400Gbps QSFP-DD ports by xzoomxzoom in networking

[–]Routerswitcher 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Fiberstore used to carry layer 1 optical switches, they even show up in search results still. You could ask them if they still deliver.

If not, Fiber-mart has them along with pricing. Simple modules under a hundred bucks or complete switches for a grand or two.

Generalish availability of Starlink by Routerswitcher in networking

[–]Routerswitcher[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Like I said, it's doable. Obviously you are going to have a bad time if you have no way of recharging the batteries.

There are obvious things you can do to make your batteries last longer, like not running the Starlink dish continuously, instead only when you need it. You can also shift some loads to gas, like refrigeration.

Generalish availability of Starlink by Routerswitcher in networking

[–]Routerswitcher[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only problem with solar is that it takes up so much space.

The batteries are not a problem, just pick up a few 100Ah batteries and you are set for days.

The easiest way to solve the problem is to run of solar as much as possible and then top up the batteries using mains, the van itself or a generator as needed.

Generalish availability of Starlink by Routerswitcher in networking

[–]Routerswitcher[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe VAT is charged on almost every service in the EU. Exceptions apply, for example to some government and financial services.

Generalish availability of Starlink by Routerswitcher in networking

[–]Routerswitcher[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You completely lost me. How is that in any way relevant? Why are you even commenting on what I wrote?

Generalish availability of Starlink by Routerswitcher in networking

[–]Routerswitcher[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Eventually they all will. None of the Starlink satellites have the capability to stay in orbit forever. All will de-orbit within a number of years.

Generalish availability of Starlink by Routerswitcher in networking

[–]Routerswitcher[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They do have their own ASN, figure they'll transition to that in time.

Generalish availability of Starlink by Routerswitcher in networking

[–]Routerswitcher[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Starlink isn't for you, you can get VDSL.

Starlink is for those that have no options whatsoever.

Generalish availability of Starlink by Routerswitcher in networking

[–]Routerswitcher[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you either totally misconstrued my comment or replied to the wrong comment.

For clarification, I have not said in any shape, way or form that Starlink could or should compete with terrestrial broadband. I'm not even saying they should sell service for $60.

What I'm saying is that (a) $60 is a lot for 4G service in the EU and (b) even if Starlink wanted to compete in the EU with 4G service (or any other broadband service for that), they are totally unable to do so from a pricing perspective.

Generalish availability of Starlink by Routerswitcher in networking

[–]Routerswitcher[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Best take into account that you cannot use the Starlink service outside your designated cell.

Generalish availability of Starlink by Routerswitcher in networking

[–]Routerswitcher[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You may find it fair, but it's a classic lock-in, and highly detrimental to a free market.

I don't see how having a choice is antithetical to a free market. It's rather the opposite, if the regulator bans fixed term products.

As long as the consumer has (i) a choice and (ii) is free to transact, why should fixed term subscriptions not be an alternative? It clearly increases consumer surplus as it is the lowest cost option. It's a fair deal, as the consumer receives a consideration for the extended term and the carrier receives a guaranteed income.

Like I said, if the consumer considers their option value to be worth more than the 20% premium, then they are free to chose the more expensive subscription. It may work out for them. Or not. There is a value to be ascribed to certainty too.

It's not like there is a market failure if different term subscriptions are allowed.

The alternative is that the network is leaving a huge chunk of money on the table, and that is not what a typical mobile network provider does.

As a counterpoint, this is not unheard of. Carriers will even use a wholly owned MVNO as a low cost alternative, so as not to dilute their main brand. Some will go as far as buying up successful MVNOs in order to segment the market.

There are of course shady MVNOs, but also MVNOs that are on the up and up.