Ultrafast Fibre Broadband – ‘FTTP’

Although the installation of fibre broadband services have been rolling out across the UK for some time now, there still seems much confusion relating to the various services on offer.

@YellowsBestLtd has been receiving ‘Fibre To The Premises’ (FTTP – sometimes referred to as ‘Fibre To The Home’ FTTH) from @Gigaclear since our formation in 2015. We are therefore able to provide this brief summary of our experiences and comparison of the types possible and their capabilities:

Full Fibre (FTTP) – fibre runs directly to the office or house, giving the fastest and most reliable speeds. This is what we had installed by Gigaclear; a dedicated fibre line into a fibre modem which can be directly connected to using ethernet cable or via a wifi router.

Part Fibre or ‘Fibre to the Cabinet’ (FTTC) – fibre runs to the neighbourhood cabinet, and then data runs over copper lines into the building. The transmission speed and bandwidth is therefore reduced in comparison to Full Fibre. This is the type of on offer to many consumers where the local telephony provider is not able to rollout fibre replacement for the ‘last mile’ of copper connection.

Copper or non-fibre – the traditional, existing telephone lines are used to provide the broadband service. This naturally provides the slowest speed and least data bandwidth. Many communities still rely on this as the only means of internet connection, since no fibre broadband deployment has been made.

The net result is that with Full Fibre, it is possible to receive previously unheard of speeds. Indeed the maximum service on offer is so fast, it outstrips the requirements of most homes and businesses. It is therefore typical that a reduced service is selected purely for cost-saving purposes.

Our own experiences have found that the Ultrafast 300 service from Gigaclear to be more than adequate for our needs. This is a screen shot of an actual speed test of the service we are being provided with:

In many cases the ‘full fibre’ service we have chosen, approximately a third the speed of the maximum possible, is still at least 10x faster than part or no fibre services. Not only is it faster, it provides a very stable connection less prone to interference and service outages. Thought due to network backhauling connections, is not unknown for interruptions to be possible; fortunately these are relatively rare.

The main difficulty for most businesses and homes remains the lack of universal provision. Whereas we have no reservations in recommending Gigaclear’s full-fibre service, we recognise this is not available everywhere. It is just fortunate for us that rural communities like ours was prioritised in their initial service rollout.

@YellowsBestLtd our mission is in “Keeping Customers Operational”. We’re always keen to enhance our range of #business services, increase the #enterprise infrastructure we support and expand our mix of #sustainable solutions we offer for supply and maintenance of new and legacy #technologies and products for our customers. 

Please get in touch to help us understand your management services or solutions requirements, whether you’re implementing new systems or maintaining existing infrastructure networks to serve your operational business needs. 

Searching for NMS cables

Call out for any requirements for Network Management Systems cables

In addition to satisfying world-wide customer product sourcing requirements for current and ‘legacy’ equipment technologies, @YellowsBestLtd also seeks out peripheral items such as Network Management System (NMS) cables.

These items may be minor in nature and originally low-cost, but they are vital for continued use and configuration of transmission nodes via management systems which evolved way before modern wireless technologies and smart phone ‘app’ based tools. Such specialist cables are becoming increasingly hard to find, since once used and damaged, they are likely to be disposed of rather than refurbished, and no new replacements are being produced.

However, in the absence of surplus stocks, it is possible for us to arrange for the manufacture of specialist cabling products including those for NMS. Due to the particular nature of the connectors utilised, these have to be specially sourced, but the cable materials themselves can be specified and applied accordingly. However, it is the orginal design information that is most critical to obtain the right functionality and compatibility.

Whatever your requirements, if you are seeking equipment or cabling for new or legacy systems, then please let us know as we can usually assist. We look forward to hearing from you.

Searching for Keymile DUP14

Call out for any stocks of Keymile’s Dual Power Input Modules (DUPI4)

@YellowsBestLtd we satisfy world-wide customer product sourcing requirements for current and ‘legacy’ equipment technologies from a wide range of Original Equipment Manufacturers (O.E.M.s).

In particular, we have stocks of surplus and refurbished products from the Keymile UMUX range which we are able to supply to assist customers in maintaining their operational networks.

However, one item not in our stocks that is of immediate interest to several of our clients is the Dual Power Input Modules (DUPI4).

We are urgently seeking supply; if you can assist, please get in touch!

These items provide the ultimate power protection upgrade:

  • Unit centralises alarm functionality and power input control
  • Delivers built-in redundancy
  • Power protection for both sub rack and fan unit
  • Increased the VDC availability

The DUPI4 acts as a dual input power decoupler that selects between two independent VDC power feeds and delivers them directly to the sub rack’s power input. Thus, the DUPI4 ensures uninterrupted service delivery since the power feed change over is instantaneous.

‘Legacy’ telecoms history

The UMUX SDH product portfolio was originally launched 1991 by Ascom, which subsequently became Keymile. Keymile was sold to ABB in 2017 when the UMUX range was discontinued, and then was acquired in 2019 by DZS. 

Comprehensive Functionality

The UMUX platform provides carrier-grade reliable multi-service multiplexing and aggregation functions over copper and fibre networks. A variety of voice (POTS, FSX, FSO, ISDN) and data (e.g. G.703, V.11, V,24, V,35) interfaces, SHDSL and Ethernet (including PoE+ and EoS) services are available. 

The modular and flexible housing provided by the UMUX 1500 (8U, 21-slot) and UMUX 1200 (4U, 8-slot) 19” subracks provide the perfect solution for all applications and locations, offering redundant controller and power supplies.

Spares for continuing to provide operational service

The UMUX, together with the UNEM network management system and ‘sister’ LINERUNNER and MILEGATE products, continues to provide operational service with various global Operator, Utilities and Transport companies. 

@YellowsBestLtd supports requirements to maintain these networks by supplying various spare part items from refurbished and surplus stocks in perfect working order.  

The definitive ‘Dynanet’ spares list

Nokia ‘Dynanet’ PDH Transmission products

For many years, the ‘Dynanet’ family of PDH Transmission telecoms products have well served Public Operator and Private Network Customers across the Telecoms, Utilities, Transport and Public Safety markets with high availability mission critical infrastructure, and indeed some networks are continuing to provide good operational service.

They were first introduced by Nokia over 20 years ago, and were continued in recent years by DNWP. Production of the majority of the product range was ceased in 2019. 

Spare parts for continued operational service

@YellowsBestLtd satisfies world-wide customer product sourcing requirements for current and ‘legacy’ equipment technologies from a wide range of Original Equipment Manufacturers (O.E.M.s).

In particular, we are able to supply products from the ‘Dynanet’ range, given that we have a significant amount of refurbished and surplus equipment items in stock for immediate delivery. Hence there continues to be spares support for current and even increased deployed networks.

Comprehensive Stocklist of ‘Dynanet’ Spares

Whereas the ‘Dynanet’ family contained a wide range of products produced and supplied over many years, some of which are relatively obscure and unlikely to be needed, there are a number of core items that have proved to be always in demand by Customers. Consequently, we have endeavoured to create a comprehensive stock list, containing part numbers, product codes and descriptions and images which is presented here, and would welcome any enquiries you have for spares requirements that we can fulfil. If however, you are seeking something more unusual, then please let us know as we can usually assist. We look forward to hearing from you.

Mechanics
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
T37870.01NDMNDM 19in 17-slot Subrack
Subrack
19in Subrack – T37870.01
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
T37871.01NDMNDM DN2 19in 17-Slot Subrack
Power
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
T37882.01NDUNDM DC Unit
NDU – T37882.01
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
T37882.02NDUeNDM DC Unit
NDUe
NDUe – T37882.02
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
T37889.01NBUNDM Backup Unit
NBU – T37889.01
Multiplexers
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
TC 21101DM2DM2 Multiplexing Unit, 75ohm
DM2
DM2 – TC 21101
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
CC 24002DB2Branching Unit, B2, 2x2Mb/s, 75ohm
B2
DB2 B2 – CC 24002
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
CC 24011DB2Switching Unit, X2, 2Mb/s, 75ohm
X2
DB2 X2
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
CU 24111DN2Control Unit, DN2, 75ohm
CC 24101DN2Interface Unit, IU2, 2x2Mb/s, 75ohm
IU2
DN2 IU2 – CC 24101
Optical Line Units
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
TA 21513DF2-8Terminal Repeater 2-8M, 1300nm, LED MM/SM
TA 21516DF2-8Terminal Repeater 2-8M, 1300nm, LASER SM
TA 21518DF2-8Terminal Repeater 2-8M, 1300nm, LASER LP
DF2-8 – TA21518
Copper Line Units
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
T65580ACL2iACL2i PF Gen
ACL2i PF GEN – T65580
VF and Sub
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
CU 21206SUB/SUBChannel Unit SUB/SUB
SUB/SUB – TU 21206
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
CU 21206.50SUB/SUBChannel Unit RSM (L/E Start) 6ch
SUB/SUB – TU 21206.50
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
CU 21216SUB/EXCHChannel Unit SUB/EXCH
SUB/EXCH – TU 21216
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
TU 21236.10VF E&MChannel Unit 8ch E&M/uP: 1xUKe&m/vf
VF E&M
VF E&M – TU 21236.10
Data Interface Units
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
TU 21125DIU X.21Data IF Unit 48..64k with sync, X.21
DIU X.21 – TU 21125
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
TU 24013DIU nx64kData IF Unit 2M, nx64k: G.703/704, 75ohm
nx64k
DIU nx64k – CU 24013
Ethernet & ISDN
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
TU 21133.03ETHERNETEthernet IF 10/100 2ch, 3+3 if, switch
Supervisory
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
TC 21705SUPY SUBSupervisory Substation
Special Units
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
T37885.01RING GENRing Generator
T37885.02RING GENRing Generator + DC/DC converter
RING GEN – T37885.02
Optical Teleprotection
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
D-24204TPSO C37.94Optical Teleprotection Interface, C37.94
C37.94
TPSO C37.94 – D-24204
Q1 Management
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
T31094.01DCNADCN Adapter C4.0
DCNA
DCNA – T31094.01
Connectors
Part NumberProduct CodeDescription
D-21470EuroEuro Connector 3×7
3x7
Connector 3×7 – D-21470

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

It was hoped to be a year of ‘getting back to normal’, but unexpected world events seem to keep coming. Consequently, we have had much to deal with this year, but as it draws to an end, it is once again a time for reflection, hopefully celebrating with friends and family.

Thanks for your continued interest and support in @YellowsBestLtd, we look forward to being in touch again in the forthcoming New Year.

We wish you all the best for the festive period.

Broken? Don’t give up hope!

Cable end connector stuck in iPhone / iPad

Here is a recent problem which would appear to be quite common. The end of the connector on a lightning cable was stuck inside the charging / accessory port. This worryingly appears to be a frequent occurrence resulting from the use of cheap, unbranded cables where the tip of the connector can break off, forming a staple-shaped piece, jamming itself into the iPhone or iPad. The result is that it is impossible to charge the device, unless the broken connector lead is retained, as it is the only one now small enough to fit into the accessory port.

This problem can render the expensive phone or tablet useless. For older out-of-warranty products it is potentially not worth a repair investigation and even with newer devices this may be classified as ‘accidental damage’, requiring extended insurance cover to avoid a significant resolution cost.

Happily, it may be possible to address the problem using the following simple technique:

  1. Use a ultra-small, precision screwdriver. It needs to be small enough to easily fit inside the accessory port and be able to be levered across it’s width, whilst being sturdy enough not to bend or break.
  2. Insert into the device’s accessory port, and position sideways across the width of the opening, such that the end of the tool is pressing on the inside of the port about half-way in / up.
  3. Then, with an outwards ‘levering’ action, pull the broken connector piece out of the port.

If fortunate, this will remove the obstruction and return the device to an operational state. Naturally, success is not certain and there is the risk of causing further damage. Hence, particularly with newer devices, if you are not confident in your abilities then best to consult an electronics specialist or seek professional assistance from an approved repair centre.

The lesson from this experience is to purchase good quality, branded accessory leads and dispose of any cables where the connector shows signs of wear.

Maintenance of new and legacy systems

@Yellowsbestltd our mission is “Keeping Customers Operational”, by assisting with with the repair of parts for infrastructure systems. These are typically established, long-standing and therefore proven and fit-for-purpose. It makes sense to maintain and extend the life of these systems, as wholesale replacements will be costly and disruptive. This is particularly applicable when the service requirements have not changed, so functionality upgrades are not necessary.

We would be keen to hear from you should you have any repairs requirements. Please get in touch to let us know how we can help. By example, there follows a list of a few recent requests we have been able to assist with. We look forward to hearing from you with any feedback you may have.

Recent repairs requests

Management Adapters
BERMotherboard
Motherboards
LED Displayboards
PSU & Control Units
Professional CCTV cameras
Consumer Electronics 
Legacy workstations
Personal Computers
Computer Software

Connectors – it’s often the little things that count!

When providing a spare parts for a Customer’s project requirements, one of the transmission cards to be used was missing its 5-way pluggable terminal block, without which, it is impossible to wire up and install.

T37882.01 NDU without 5-way connector

Happily we were able to source this from Farnell; this was supplied incredibly speedily – same day dispatch, next day delivery! It’s often the case that little things like this makes big difference in achieving project completion and maintaining operational performance.

T37882.01 NDU with 5-way connector

@YellowsBestLtd our mission is in “Keeping Customers Operational”. We’re always keen to enhance our range of #business services, increase the #enterprise infrastructure we support and expand our mix of #sustainable solutions we offer for supply and maintenance of new and legacy #technologies and products for our customers. 

Please help us understand your management services or solutions requirements, whether you’re implementing new systems or maintaining existing infrastructure networks to serve your operational business needs. 

Celebrating 7 Years – Yellow Best Limited

YellowsBest, with our mission of “Keeping Customers Operational” by providing solutions and services to support and enhance infrastructure systems, is celebrating our 7th Anniversary milestone.

Sincere thanks to our loyal Customers and suppliers in making this achievement possible. We look forward to continuing to assist in fulfilling requirements for #business consultancy, #enterprise infrastructure support services, spares and repairs #sustainable solutions for maintenance and the supply of new and legacy #technologies and products for our customers. 

Marconi XMP1 telecommunications

Traditional PDH / SDH transmission

The XMP1 product is multi-service access / transmission node equipment capable of PDH data rates of 8Kbps to 34Mbps and SDH STM-1 or STM-4. Originally manufactured by Marconi, the range was taken over in later years by Keymile and Bosch before being discontinued.

The system is still in service, customers include Utilities and Transport organisations, and typically deployed as a terminal multiplexer or as an ADM (Add-Drop-Mux). It can provide point to point or leased line in a corporate network for POTS, data, LAN, IDSN etc.

The building blocks of the system are the central unit which provides control and management, the SDH cards for STM-1 and STM-4 aggregation and the line units which provide uplink in the form of E1, E3 or SHDSL which can be copper or optical. 8 and 16 Slot versions were available as well as an SL (slimline) variant.

Spares and Repairs for continued long-term operation and maintenance

Whereas these products are no longer manufactured, @YellowsBestLtd is able to supply a limited amount of spare parts and/or offer repair services in order to aid customers in keeping their networks operational. There follows a non-exhaustive list of typical parts that can be supplied, we would be very pleased to receive specific requests for items that are needed.  

A205HAT00080AAB05HAT00080AABXMP (MK2) POWER SUPPLY 48/60V
AN0005905762.7026.353.00-A001PORT HDB3 (2)                          
AN0009822462.7040.405.00-A001MODUL V.11                        
AN0011478462.7040.303.00-A001ETHERNET ADAPTER                  
AN0011810662.7006.430.00-A002POWER SUPPLY 48-60V                 
A2AN00034165 Cable Clamp
A2AN00086011 CABLE CLAMP PANEL 1 HU     
A2AN00086013 PATCH PANEL V.11
A2AN00102460 CCU-CENTRAL UNIT CC WITH QD2
A2AN00102463 SUBRACK XMP1 (16) 
A2AN00109256 FRONTPANEL BLUE
A2AN00116240 Connecting Cable 2m
A2AN00214510 Connecting Cable Central Unit Protection 
A2AN00214511 Ethernet Cable (5m)
A2AN0022815 DSK MODULAR
A2AN00274356 Input/Output Alarm Cable(2 O/P,3 I/P)
A2AN00276278 Connecting Cable 6m (Port HDB3) coax 
A2AN00276281 Connecting Cable 20m (Port HDB2) coax
A2AN0034165 Cable Clamp
A2AN00702802 Mounting element
A205HAN00499AAC XMP1-SL CROSS CONNECT
XMP1 spares

@YellowsBestLtd our mission is in “Keeping Customers Operational”. We’re always keen to enhance our range of #business services, increase the #enterprise infrastructure we support and expand our mix of #sustainable solutions we offer for supply and maintenance of new and legacy #technologies and products for our customers. 

Please help us understand your management services or solutions requirements, whether you’re implementing new systems or maintaining existing infrastructure networks to serve your operational business needs. 

#business services new legacy solutions sourcing #enterprise infrastructure #sustainable spares #technologies products @YellowsBestLtd