3 Types of Manholes and Their Uses in Telecom Networks
Modern cities need many underground systems to work properly. Under the streets, there are fiber optic cables, power lines, water pipes, and communication lines. They all work together to provide important services. These systems must be checked and updated often as needs grow. Because of this, easy access is very important for telecom and infrastructure companies. That is why a manhole is important in managing these systems. In the dark fiber industry, a manhole is also very useful. It allows technicians to reach underground fiber cables for setup, maintenance, and repairs. For dark fiber providers that own or rent unused fiber, good access points help them build networks faster and keep the connection stable over long distances. What is meant by manhole? A manhole is an opening in the ground that lets workers reach underground utility systems. The structure has a cover on the surface and a vertical shaft that goes down to the pipes or cables below. Most access points use a metal or concrete cover that is level with the road surface. The main parts of a manhole are the cover, the frame, and the vertical chamber. Inside, there are steps or ladder rungs fixed to the walls. At the bottom, workers can reach the infrastructure that needs work. Because of that, these access points come in different sizes depending on their use and must be big enough for workers to enter while carrying tools. What is the difference between a sewer and a manhole? The difference between a sewer and a manhole is their function. A sewer carries dirty water, while the other one gives access to underground systems. A sewer is a pipe that moves wastewater from buildings to treatment plants. These access points can connect to sewers, telecom cables, power lines, and water pipes. Not all manholes connect to sewers. Fiber optic and telecom networks use many of these access points. In telecom projects, technicians place these access points at regular distances along cable routes so they can pull cables and make connections. 3 Key types of manholes These access points are grouped into three categories based on how deep they are below the ground surface. According to Blair Supply Corp, manholes are categorized as Type 1, 2, and 3 based on their depth and purpose: Building better underground networks Understanding manholes and their types is important for people who work in telecommunications. In practice, these access points are a key part of networks that connect cities and support modern communication. As a result, engineers use each type for different depth and installation needs. With this in mind, companies building fiber networks in Southeast Asia need to choose the right infrastructure partner. ARNet operates more than 10,000 km of dark fiber in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. In addition, the company owns and maintains its full network, including access points and underground routes. It also provides long-haul, metro, and last-mile fiber services for hyperscalers and major telecom companies in the region. Because of this integrated approach, working with ARNet means working with a single dark fiber provider in Southeast Asia that controls its licenses and infrastructure. The company builds and runs its own network with its own teams and equipment. This setup helps speed up deployment and improve network reliability. To ensure performance, ARNet promises more than 99.99% uptime and uses real-time monitoring to detect issues early. Overall, for organizations that need scalable fiber networks with well-managed underground systems, ARNet can support long-term growth. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet