Methods and apparatus to deploy fiber optic based access networks

A method to deploy a fiber optic based access network, the method comprising:

• receiving a first request for a first communication service to a first customer premises;
• installing a first fiber optic cable segment between an optical access head-end and a first pedestal associated with the first customer premises, the first fiber optic cable segment routed through a second pedestal geographically located between the optical access head-end and the first pedestal;
• installing a first distributor at the first pedestal to route first data between the first fiber optic cable segment and the first customer premises;
• receiving a second request for a second communication service to a second customer premises associated with the second pedestal, the second request received subsequent to the installation of the first fiber optic cable segment and the first distributor;
• splitting the first fiber optic cable segment at the second pedestal to form second and third fiber optic cable segments;
• and
• installing a second distributor at the second pedestal between the second and third fiber optic cable segments, the second distributor to route second data between the second fiber optic cable segment, the third fiber optic cable segment and the second customer premises.

An apparatus for use at a first pedestal location comprising:

• a first interface module comprising a first optical add-drop multiplexer (OADM) to receive user data associated with a plurality of subscribers served by an optical access head-end via a first fiber optic cable segment;
• a second interface module comprising a second OADM to transport a first portion of the user data to another apparatus at another pedestal location via a second fiber optic cable segment, the second fiber optic cable segment different from the first fiber optic cable segment, wherein the first pedestal location is geographically distinct from the second pedestal location;
• a third interface module to transport a second portion of the user data associated with a first of the plurality of subscribers to a customer premises;
• and
• a switch to route the first portion of the user data between the first and second interface modules and to route the second portion of the user data between the first and third interface modules.