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Multi-dwelling Units (“MDU”) Construction Guidelines

When signing an Access Agreement to bring Google Fiber to an MDU property, the MDU Owner or Property Manager is signing up to bring Fiber to each unit. Fiber will be placed throughout the building using the following general construction guidelines:Step 1: We’ll install the network demarcation point (“NDP”), which is the interface between the Google Fiber network and the fiber inside the building. The NDP will typically be mounted outside the building nearest the Outside Plant Fiber drop.Step 2: We’ll run the fiber to a “fiber distribution hub.” This serves as a centralized wiring point inside your building. Typically this will be placed in a main equipment closet or basement.Step 3: We’ll route Fiber to each floor using a fiber distribution terminal (“FDT”). The FDT combines the fiber on each floor and routes it to every unit in the building. If needed, we’ll install conduits through basements or risers to access your building floors. We will also install a microduct (a 10mm tube) through stacked closets or existing ceiling access.Step 4: When bringing Fiber to each unit, Google Fiber will make every effort to conceal the fiber in micro-duct throughout the building. In some cases, we may be required to place molding down your hallways in the event micro-duct cannot be placed.Step 5: We’ll then create a pathway for the fiber from the hallway into each unit. This process includes:
  1. creating an access path (standard core drilling)
  2. patching the access path (Google Fiber does not paint or replace wall paper when restoring patchwork)
  3. placing a thin small invisible fiber (900micron) from the unit access point to the Network Interface Unit and then to the Fiber Jack

Glossary

Fiber Jack: The Fiber Jack, which is about the size of a deck of cards, is installed inside the home and will convert the fiber coming into the home into a gigabit Ethernet connection. The Fiber Jack connects to your Network Box. It is important that the Fiber Jack be installed near a power source.Network Interface Unit (or NIU): This grey box may be placed inside the unit closet and/or above unit entryway. The NIU It is used to bring the Google Fiber connection closer to the unit for installation.Network Demarc Point (or NDP): Interface between the Outside Plant Fiber drop and the Inside Plant MDU infrastructure. Typically this is placed near the outside entry point into the building. This location will consist of a NEMA rated OSP box that will house 2 to 24 ports. (Typical Location: Outside building near point of entry)Fiber Distribution Hub (or FDH): Collection point for all fiber drops from each unit. This Hub will normally be placed inside the MDU in the basement or telecommunications closet on a backboard/rack. (Typical Location: Basement or Main Equipment Room)Fiber Distribution Terminal (or FDT): Collection point for drop cables, used as an intermediate point for the drop cables running between floors. FDT’s will be used to reduce the amount of fiber pulled and installed back to the FDH location. (Typical Location: Each floor in small Telco Closet)NDP/FDH/FDT COMBO: This network box is used for Outside Plant Fiber drop, housing for our network components, and where all fiber drops converge inside a building. These boxes are typically used in MDU’s with fewer than 24 units. (Typical Location: Basement or Main Equipment Room)Microduct: Small riser or plenum rated conduits, 8mm (min.) to 12mm in size. Microduct runs between the FDH and/or FDT to each unit. Microduct provides continuity from FDT to each unit.This page only applies to Multi-Dwelling Units. We define a Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) as a property with more than 8 units that requires approval from a third party (owner/manager) to install Google Fiber service. This is a property that contains multiple residences, such as an apartment building or condo complex.