Attn. Computer Geeks

[AndyC]

Hi, I'm back. Been very busy and -- long story short -- I'm back in the newspaper business.

Anyway, I'm looking for an explanation of a network term that I can't seem to find no matter where I search. As I understand it, the operator of a local wireless broadband network is using another company's fibre optic cable as a "backhall." What the heck is that? What does it do? I think I have a vague idea from the context, but I want to be sure.

[Ed, Ego and Superego]

Andy,
 I'm no geek, but I lvet hat research. Maybe the term is "backhaul"?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backhaul

-Ed

[AndyC]

That's it. Thank you. I only heard the word.

[trekgeezer]

I know down here in the States a lot of companies (gas companies and railroads) have been burying fiber optic cable for years next to their pipelines and  on their right of ways. It was intended for the companies private networks, but they discovered they have a lot of excess bandwidth, so they've taken to leasing some of it to others.

I know there is a lot of fiber buried in the ground that is what they call "dark fiber" which means the cable is there, but it's not lit (in other words nobody is using it).  I know  Arkansas is attempting to get hold of some of this dark fiber to improve the state's network.

[Dr. Whom]

Is this fiber that has gone over to the wrong side of the Force?

[AndyC]

AlexB Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Is this fiber that has gone over to the wrong side
> of the Force?


No, fibre is your friend. Just ask Bill Shatner.