Alternative Fiber Deployment Methods Series

November 01, 2024

With the BEAD process well underway, creative ways to deploy fiber to the communities that need it are more necessary than ever. In this series, we’ll explore some innovative deployment methods and the unique benefits they offer that can help you overcome traditional installation challenges and reduce costs.

Focus #1:  MicroTrenching: A Game-Changer for Urban Deployments 

Cities and residential neighborhoods all over the world face an ever-increasing demand for reliable and fast internet to connect their workers, inform critical public services, and power communications and entertainment. But fiber installers have serious challenges to overcome to install efficiently and with minimal disruption. MicroTrenching, a cutting-edge installation method, is revolutionizing the way we deploy. 
 
What is MicroTrenching? 
 
A MicroTrench installation typically goes like this:  

  1. Sawcutting a narrow, shallow trench in roadways or sidewalks, usually 1 to 5 inches wide at depths of 20 inches or less 
  2. Laying conduit, backfill, jet cable into the trench 
  3. Backfilling the trench with a protective material and sealing it 

Unlike traditional trenching methods that often require wide and deep excavations, MicroTrenching's narrow cuts result in less damage to roads, sidewalks, and landscaping, and can provide yields of several hundred meters of fiber laid per day.

Where Is It Used? 

MicroTrenching has emerged as a game-changing innovation in fiber installations in a variety of densities and environments. Because it’s fast and minimally invasive, a MicroTrenching deployment is often the ideal choice for any situation that requires you to get in and out quickly, like:

  • Dense urban environments with little room for large equipment, adjacent infrastructure that could be disrupted or damaged during the installation process, and complicated permitting and street blockage requirements.
  • Drop and distribution in fiber-to-the-home deployments, where MicroTrenching can translate to lower costs per home than traditional deployment methods.  
  • Rural backhaul deployments, where MicroTrenching’s speed can help crews lay fiber quickly and move on to the next stretch.

Why MicroTrench Over Other Deployment Methods? 

MicroTrenching presents several key advantages: 

  1. Minimal Disruption
    One of the most significant benefits of MicroTrenching is the reduction in disruption it causes to the surface. The process is less intrusive than traditional underground methods, and unlike poles, the trenches often remain virtually unnoticed by residents.  
  2. Cost-Effectiveness 
    MicroTrenching is usually about five times cheaper than conventional trenching. Because MicroTrenching is so precise and targets only the area needed for a MicroDuct or micro cable, installers can count on less excavation and surface restoration, and therefore lower labor and material costs.  
  3. Faster Deployment 
    The speed of MicroTrenching is also a big plus for urban installations, especially for projects with tight deadlines. In some cases, fiber deployment can be installed in hours versus days with MicroTrenching—a typical MicroTrench installation can lay between 500 meters to 1 kilometer of fiber per day, significantly faster than traditional methods.  
  4. Environmental Benefits 
    Because it’s less disruptive, MicroTrenching can be more environmentally friendly than traditional trenching methods. The smaller trenches mean less soil disturbance and a lower risk of damaging tree roots or disrupting habitats. And the reduced need for heavy machinery can help installers deploy with lower emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.

Challenges and Considerations 

As one among many deployment methods, MicroTrenching offers numerous advantages over traditional undergrounding, but it's not without its challenges, depending on the terrain, location, and permitting and regulatory landscape. Here are a few considerations to help you choose the right method for your build. 

Challenge 

Mitigation 

Risk of Damage 

Shallow cuts can increase the risk of fiber lines being damaged by future construction work or heavy traffic. Sites should be chosen carefully and appropriate backfill materials and processes should be used to reduce excessive maintenance. 

Weather Sensitivity 

Wet or freezing weather can hinder the setting of the fill material, leading to delays and potential trench collapse. Be sure to plan installation around heavy rain and cold temperatures.  

Compatibility with Existing Infrastructure 

While they save space, narrow trenches also leave little room for error. Cuts must be very precise to avoid damaging utility lines; make sure all technicians are trained appropriately.  

Get the Most Out of Your MicroTrench Installation with MicroDucts from Dura-Line 

Ready to learn more? Here are three ways you can uncover the benefits of MicroTrenching and find out if it’s the right deployment method for you: 

  • If you‘re ready to dive deeper into MicroTrenching, check out our full brochure here, where you can learn more about the right products for MicroTrenching, as well as how you can plan for a successful deployment.
  • Dura-Line Academy, our industry-leading online training platform, offers two mini-courses on MicroTrenching that will help you get started. You can access the courses 24/7, even on your mobile phone, here.
  • MicroTrenching is also a natural match for FuturePath Flex. Its flat shape enables you to install quickly and efficiently so you can maximize the small space of a MicroTrench and give yourself the flexibility to expand or upgrade your network as demand increases. Learn more about FuturePath Flex here.