Many newer wired systems now depend on remote equipment away from
the CO with limited battery backup. The problem is vastly worse
on the wireless networks, where most of the profusion of
microcells and interconnecting circuits not only have limited
battery backups, but no independent generating facilities.
It's really quite freaky when people with telephone provided by their CATV
company don't realize that their local CPE is where their loop comes from along
with all the battery powered equipment on the poles in between that handset and
dial-tone.
I would wonder what the CATV company's policy is on replacing batteries in
those CPE units.
On a regular schedule or when someone complains it's not working?
I have some ISDN bridges that suffered the same problem -- except I also had
another land line in addition since the ISDN was paid for by my employer. I had
a UPS on it... but then again, I'm not the normal customer.
[ See:
"Your Cable Company -- powered by the guy with the extension cord"
http://j.mp/otoUtM (Interesting People)
-- Lauren Weinstein
NNSquad Moderator ]
- - -
-Ben
