The WOW! Buzz

This week I thought I’d give you a glimpse into a WOW! Central Office/Head End.   They are known as “central offices” to the telephony and data teams, harking back to the days when all communication services were brought in through a copper distribution plant to a “central” location for processing.  They are known as “head ends” to the video teams–again, harking back to the days when these facilities were the core of one way video distribution systems to homes and other properties.

These days, neither description is completely accurate, because much has changed in the fundamental nature of what is now a full service communications business.  But by whatever they are known, these facilities are the heart and soul of the technical infrastructure providing service to our customers.  They are housed in low profile, nondescript buildings in the communities that they serve.  They are carefully stewarded and maintained, reflecting the importance of what goes on  within.  These facilities are not accessed by the general public, nor by the majority of WOW! employees.  The limited pool of people which do have access authorization have specific missions within those walls.

The following pictures happen to be of the Evansville Central Office/’Head End.  I hope you enjoy this glimpse into the technology used to provide you service:

Tellabs Digital Access Cross Connect System

This equipment is used to interconnect telephone and data plant facilities to switches and other processing gear.

Scientific Atlanta Video Receiver Bays

This equipment receives and decodes video sources from content providers.

Scientific Atlanta Fiber Transmission Gear

These laser transmitters place signals on the fiber plant to hubs located throughout the city.

Prisma 1 Transmission Gear and internal fiber distribution

Another view of the SA transmission gear and portions of the internal fiber distribution (yellow trays)

Wire/fiber management

Notice the neat and “buttoned down” appearance of the wiring–another indication of care given to provide reliable service.

Until next time….