Pair gain (copper access network)

The copper access network (CAN) represents a major asset to telephone administrations with a book value offer of several billions of pounds. In the foreseeable future the vast majority of telephone subscriber services will continue to be provided via this media and so efficient use of the network is of vital importance. Pair gain is a means of better optimising the utilisation of the CAN. Traditionally many forms of pair gain have been viewed as expedients to provide service until new copper cable can be installed, usually when duct space is full or no spare copper pairs are available between cabinets and distribution points. With the improvements in reliability, costs and new features on the present and next generation of products pair gain is now being viewed by many administrations as a long term cost effective alternative to new copper upgrade plans. >