AT&T, Fiber Optics, and LANs

AT&T has been committed to the fiber optics technology for many years starting with early research efforts going on to trial applications in a number of areas, and as a major manufacturer, supplier, and user of both fiber optic cable and components. The AT&T Premises Distribution System (PDS) makes use of fiber optic technology in providing backbone feeders from the major equipment locations to the distribution closets. Twisted-pair or fiber may be used from the closets to the work location as required. The PDS allows flexible evolution of the communications systems with a minimum of physical plant replacement.