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Self Install DSLAM Safety & Reactive Port Repair Process

MJ Quinn Ltd 2018

Course Overview

• Aims and Objectives

• Tooling & Stores

• DLSAM & PCP Checks

• Safe Access

• Repair Procedures

• Quality Checks

• Safe Closure

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Aims and Objectives

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• Visual inspection, confirm no live voltage present and gaining safe access to DSLAMs and PCP cabinets

• Reporting procedure on discovery of live DSLAMs & PCPs

• Complete repair process and testing for no dial tone issues

• Complete repair process and testing for no sync issues

• Carrying out quality checks and raising A1024s

• Safe closure of DLSAMs & PCPs

• Recording good quality notes

Tooling & Stores

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• Star Key• OBASS Keys (HA1D,CA1D,GMK)• Non contact voltage detector• Plastic gate guards & courtesy board• PPE (Helmet, Hi Vis, Glasses)• Huawei JPX Inserter• 3M/ECI STG Inserter• Huawei & 3M Splitters• Duct Seal Kit

Safe Access to DSLAMs & PCPsWith the roll out of NGA (Next Generation Access) Fibre Broadband we have seen a significant increase in the deployment of additional street furniture cabinets which now houses electronic equipment which is mains powered and backed up with a built-in battery bank.

Openreach DSLAM cabinets contain both mains power (230v AC) and DC power (-48 v DC) which is provided by built in batteries.

There are two suppliers of these cabinets: ECI and Huawei. Although externally they are similar in appearance, however the internal assemblies are different, which we will cover in this delivery.

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ECI Huawei

Safe Access to DSLAMs & PCPs

If you are required to enter a DSLAM cabinet, There is a basic electrical safety check firstly, which you will need to carry out. This will prove that there is no existence of mains power on the shell of either the NGA DSLAM cabinet or a PCP cabinet if within 5 Metres of DSLAM cabinet.

There are other conditions within the following slides that you may encounter which would also require a safety check.

All engineers working on or in the vicinity of these cabinets must undertake this non-contactless test of the cabinets prior to touching any metal components.

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Visible Check of DSLAM & PCP• When you approach the cabinet please carry out

a visual check of the structural integrity, without touching the cabinet.

• Have a look to see if there is any possible malicious or accidental damage (such as severe dents or twisted door pillars) or wear and tear (such as doors being misaligned).

• If you are satisfied with the visual inspection you must carry out an non contact electrical check with a Voltage Detector. If your checks confirm that the cabinet is safe then please continue with your task.

• If your check indicates that the cabinet housing is live please follow the AOC reporting guidelines. Which we will cover in the next few slides.

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Physical Check with Detector

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• When checking a cabinet housing with the voltage detector, use a sweeping motion.

• Do not touch the cabinet housing.• Start at the front and work from the left

to the right as indicated in the pictures.• Use the same motion for the side and

back where accessible.

• What can happen if you fail to

carryout this test? I knew there was a purpose for that

memory stick thing!

Proving the AC Voltage Detector• In order to prove the functionality of the detector, test on identified known

live AC power source i.e. plug and lead plugged into a wall socket outlet, this can be in the office or your home.

• Make sure that the installed battery in the voltage detector is working.• Trace along the plug and cable from the source to equipment making sure that

the socket outlet is turned on.• The detector will light up if AC voltage is present.

Some testers also have a self test function.

You must test your non contact voltage detector on a known live cable usually in the house before leaving for work, and where possible on site before use.

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If you find a Live DSLAM or PCP…Barrier off the area around the live cabinet using only plastic barriers, making surethat you do not touch the cabinet, erect your barriers at least 1 metre away fromthe cabinet if possible and maintain a safe zone for members of the public andothers.

Report the incident to the AOC on 0800-6816672 option 2 and work through thefollowing options to get to the in-life team (this line is monitored 24/7).

You will need to provide following information.• Location of faulty cabinet• PCP number• DSLAM number• Description of fault

The AOC will call out a power engineer.Do not leave site until the AOC has confirmed that you may leave.

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Damaged DSLAM & PCPIf you turned up to this DSLAM to find it in this state, what action would you take?

Make the site safe for the general public and any necessary engineering work.

Guarding should be erected as a minimum due to the AC mains hazard. Place guards, at arm’s length, away from the DSLAM cabinet, and also the associated PCP if it is within 5m.

Contact the Access OperationsCentre (AOC – 0800 681 6672, option 2) and advise of the extent of the damage to the cabinet. Follow all advise provided and stay on site if requested until a power engineer arrives.

In this example there’s a potential, that the AC power may have been damaged.

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An NGA cabinet severely damaged following a road traffic incident in Birmingham. Is this an alternative means of installing in-car internet?

Damaged DSLAMs & PCPs

• Cabinet pushed off plinth by vehicle collision. Earth cables broken• Cabinet still working but damage on one side.• Doors jammed due to frontal impact.• PCP totally damaged, G.Fast Pod smashed off the PCP.

Do we know if power cable is still safe ?

DO NOT TOUCH THE CABINET OR LOCAL PCP IF G.FAST HAS BEEN INSTALLED AS IT WILL BE ELECTRICALY CONNECTED TO THE DC POWER SUPPLY OF THE LOCAL DSLAM.

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Damaged DSLAMs & PCPs

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You have located these DSLAM’s in their current state. Are they safe to enter?

The Answer is NO!They have had a side impacts on the power doors. We don’t know the status of the power.

Who ya gonna call?

1. Cab Busters (AOC)

2. Bill & Ben, the A1024 Cabinet repair men

OR

Damaged DSLAMs & PCPs

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Is this what they meant by “free Wi-Fi access on our buses”

As we see in this picture, the police have cordoned off the area, suspect somebody’s been stealing the broadband speed.

Although the panel damage to this cabinet is minimal, the power cable could also be damaged due to the root being dislodged.

In this example the cabinet damage is on the copper tie side, we would still carryout an electrical test and report the damage to the AOC

Johnny the Broadband Bandit

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I wonder what this does? I'm sure

Quinn's are pulling me leg, they told

me I can clear a fault in here!

Where’s that bloody splitter

He has the need to steal your speed

DSLAMs TypesIn the access network there are four types of DSLAMs that may be encountered.

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ECI DSLAM 128 & 256 Circuits Although the cabinets are 128 & 256 circuits, the cabinets are the same size. A distinguishing feature that identifies the ECI cabinet is the number of vents in the door and roof sides. Access to the connector modules and splitters is via the front door.

Huawei DSLAM 96 Circuits.The Huawei cabinet is similar in size as the ECI, however the capacity is only 96 circuits cabinet. Access to the connector modules and splitters is via the small side door.

DSLAMs Types Cont.

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Huawei DSLAM 288 Circuits. Access to the connector modules and splitters is via the small front door.

What do you get if you cross a PCP with a DSLAM?

A PSLAM or a ?

Huawei All in One DSLAM 128 Circuits.The Huawei all in one cabinet consist of a combined PCP and DSLAM housed within the same cabinet is mainly used for uplifting rural EO cables to provide access to VDSL services.

Identifying DSLAM Assemblies

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ECI STG Modules Huawei JPX Modules

The copper cable module connectors and splitters within the DSLAM’s are different for both manufacturers:

• ECI use STG (3M) connector modules and splitters.• Huawei use their own JPX brand of connector

modules and splitters.

The copper wiring of the connectors and splitter connections are also different, • ECI’s STG connector modules are 10 pair

assemblies • Huawei JPX connector modules are 5 pair

assemblies.• The Orange JPX modules signify the last pairs of

each wiring loom to the cards, these will only have 2 pairs or 4 pairs only terminated. There will be no splitter installed in the empty ports.

Use only the manufacturers specified IDC inserters for each connector modules.

Terminating DSLAM Assemblies

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Huawei

• For Huawei JPX modules use only

ECI

• For ECI modules use only

ECI Module Layout PSTN In (D Side)

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• The PSTN (D Side) pairs are run up the left hand side of the STG connector module.

• PSTN (D Side) pairs 1-10 are terminated on the Topof the first white module.

• PSTN (D Side) pairs 11-20 are terminated on the Bottom of the second white module, Then alternate throughout.

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• The Line Side (Fibre E Side) pairs are run up the right and side of the STG connector module.

• Line Side (Fibre E Side) pairs 1-10 are terminated on the Bottom of the first white module.

• Line Side (E Side) pairs 11-20 are terminated on the Top of the second white module.

• E Sides should always be terminated above and below the Blue STG module as indicated.

ECI Module Layout Line Side (Fibre E Side)

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• The Broadband equipment is factory pre-terminated on the BlueSTG modules. If your fault is broadband related, check these terminations also.

• The splitters are installed back to back within the blue module, the long locating tabs of the splitter should be inserted into the white connector modules.

• When installed correctly the arrows on the top of the splitter should be facing each other.

• Ensure splitters are pushed in fully, and clicked into place.

• Splitters are not required on pairs 65 -70, 135 - 140, 205 -210 and 275 – 280.

ECI Module Splitter Layout

ECI 128 Only: Cable pairs 141-150 are not terminated in DSLAMECI 256 Only: Cable pairs 281-300 are not terminated in DSLAM

Huawei 96-128 Module Layout

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• The PSTN (D Side) pairs are run up the left hand side of the JPX connector module.

• PSTN (D Side) pairs are terminated on the Bottom of the module on the even numbers positions 2,4,6,8 & 10 throughout.

• Line Side (Fibre E Side) are terminated on the Top of the module on the even numbers positions 2,4,6,8 & 10 throughout.

• Modules are configured in 32 pair formations, Only 2 splitters fitted in each Orange module.

Huawei 288 Module Layout

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• The PSTN (D Side) pairs are run up the left hand side of the JPX connector module.

• PSTN (D Side) pairs are terminated on the Bottomof the module on the even numbers positions 2,4,6,8& 10 throughout.

• Line Side (Fibre E Side) are terminated on the Top of the module on the even numbers positions 2,4,6,8& 10 throughout.

• Modules are configured in 24 pair formations, Only 4 splitters fitted in each Orange module.

Huawei All in One Layout

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Huawei All in One (AIO) layout

• The Huawei 128 line All in One cabinet incorporates factory assembled and pre-terminated DSLAM to PCP tie cables.

• Access to the PCP side is via the large door.

HD Migrated DSLAM’s

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Owing to the high demand of VDSL services, you may encounter DSLAM cabinets that have been HD Migrated, these cabinets have been expanded to provide additional circuits. Currently the HD migrations are only being carried out on the Huawei 96-128 Cabinet and the 288 cabinets.

These DSLAM cabinets are distinguishable by the additional side pod or the additional bulge door fitted on the side of Huawei 288 cabinets.

• A Huawei 96-128 with a side expansion pod attached to the cabinet.

• Within the pod there are an Additional 128 circuits.

HD Migrated DSLAM’s

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New side pod extends the cabinet width by 400mm, Requires 150 E and D pairs from the PCP (2X100, 2x50). the pod can also be opened 90° to allow easy access to the existing copper terminations. To open the pod there are three (3) latches inside the pod which secures it, loosen latch screws to rotate latches.When closing latch screws need to be tightened up

Huawei 288 Expansion Pod

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• The Bulge door expansion will provide an extra 96 circuits. This increases the DSLAM capacity to 384 circuits.

• To gain access to the expansion pod you will need to open the small front door to gain access to the retaining latches inside.

• Opening the latches will allow the door to open up to 90 degrees. For security purposes all latch screws are to be tightened up after access.

Inside the Bulge Door

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PCP Splitter Connectivity

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Improving our service availability by moving the splitter from the DSLAM to the PCP, reducing the copper requirement between the PCP and DSLAM by 50% and freeing up copper capacity that would otherwise not be available or would require civil engineering work.

3M NC PCP Splitter Block

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The PCP splitter block initiative helps to deliver service availability by moving the splitter from the DSLAM to the PCP, these are only used in cabinets where difficulties have been encountered whilst installing copper tie cables.

If the circuit your working in is terminated in a PCP splitter assembly, open and check splitter is installed. Also check cable termination on the rear prior to proceeding to the DSLAM.

Remember: the copper tie cable is terminated on the top of the odd numbers positions in the DSLAM JPX modules.

Identifying the Task

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Now we have identified the DSLAM types and their relevant Modular assemblies, we will now look into the fault clearing process, this will identify what your role will involve.

DSLAM & PCP Port RepairWhat is Port repair? Port repair is a process which allows an engineer to enter a DSLAM to conduct further checks to restore service when no sync or dial tone can be achieved at the PCP.

Why do Port repair?• Personal: The ability to fix the problem without a need to call the DCoE.• Simple: Fixes are usually a plug-in / missing splitter or wires that need re-

inserting. • Brilliant: We restore service to the customer quicker and keep FTTC ports

available for even more future connections!• Average task time saving of up to 39 minutes!

On the Job Port Repair

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Engineers having completed the cabinet power course are now able to access DSLAM cabinets to check:• Copper tie cables terminations • Wiring of ports • Re-terminate if necessary• Check and change the splitters

This may avoid the need of requesting a lift and shift from the DCoE.

Problem: a missing splitter.Solution? Plug in a splitter to restore service.

Problem: Wires not connected correctly.Solution? Use inserter to re-terminate connection.

Opening the DSLAM

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• If you are intending to enter a DSLAM cabinet, ensure you have carried out a mandatory non conductive electrical test.

• As this cabinet is powered by 240 AC voltage, do not enter without erecting barriers and weather protection if inclement weather is present.

• The DSLAM doors are alarmed and are monitored by the AOC.

• Identify your pair location before you remove any splitters, you may be unnecessary disconnect customers.

• Complete your repairs as soon as and restore any splitters removed.

Repair Process – Proving Continuity in the PCP

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If the circuit you are working in is terminated in a modular PCP assembly, recommendation is to check the modular termination in the PCP prior to working in the DSLAM.

Turn your SA9083 on and switch it to Loop x 100.Place leads on both the incoming and outgoing A legs of your fibre port pairs and check continuity, continue the same process with the “B” leg using the relevant test adaptors.

Proof of Continuity PCP

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With a SA9083 switched on and the rotary switch in the Loop x100 position the needle should deflect right across the screen proving continuity on your A and then B legs.

Remember to test A (E Side) to A (D Side) and B legs separately.

If the needle does not deflect, try testing A to B as the pair maybe reversed in the PCP or DSLAM.

If the needle does not move the pair may be either disconnected, a split pair or the pairs may have been built out of sequence (Cable unit crossed E.g. E 1-10 X D 11-20)

Fault TypesThere are two main categories of faults we may encounter whilst working in the DLSAM.

• NO SYNC

• NO DIAL TONE

The approach for repair is slightly different for each issue. We will now look at each process in more detail.

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Repair Process – No Dial Tone Fibre E

• Confirm dial tone on copper E. This should have been done at the start of the job with you butt phone and relevant test adaptor.

• If you have carried out your continuity testing from the PCP, you should have had a failure on at least one of the legs if you have no dial tone.

• If you have sync but no dial tone at this stage it would be advisable to apply a tone to your fibre E and ensure your ports have not been built out of sequence.

• If your ports match up or you do not get your tone on your fibre D, we need to begin to check the wiring and terminations inside the PCP and DSLAM.

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Repair Process – No Sync Issue

• Confirm you are on the correct port by counting, applying a tone in the PCP or by getting the DCOE to apply a tone to the adjacent circuit.

• If no splitter present, fit splitter.

• If splitter existing, remove existing, visually inspect wiring to ensure correct and then replace the old with a new splitter.

• You can now check for sync on your fibre E in the PCP.

• If you still have no sync you will need a lift and shift.

Please not care must be taken to keep the splitters clean, grease or dirt on the contacts can cause reduced speeds and even loss of service.

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How to remove a Tool Less module in the PCP…

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• Using a thin screwdriver slide it down the side of the module between the plastic of the module and the metal fixing and ease sideways. Take extreme care to avoid breaking retainer plastic.

This process is similar for removing other types of modules.

• Withdraw the module forward, remove the pair from the strain relief and check quality of connection.

• Remove the pair from the sliders, trim the wire end and re-insert into sliders and strain relief, re-test pair and re-instate module.

• Check both E Side and D Side modules of pair, if the fault still persist continue to the DSLAM cabinet.

Repairing a Disconnection Fault in the PCP Tool Less Module

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Re-Testing of the Pair

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• Once the module has been refitted, test the pair for continuity and Sync.

• If this doesn’t clear you fault proceed to the DSLAM cabinet for further investigation.

Identifying your port in the DSLAM

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• If the fault proves into the DSLAM apply a tone in the PCP on either E or D side and then open the DSLAM and listen for the tone on the test access on the splitter.

• You will be provided with wiring diagrams to assist you in identifying your pair.

Re-terminating in the DLSAM

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If Sync cannot be achieved remove the surrounding splitters to gain access to copper wiring and re-terminate your pair, if after re-terminating all points there is still no Sync you will need a lift and shift.

Once you have identified your pair, remove the splitter and replace it with a new one, then test again for Sync.

Replacing Splitters

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• As soon as you have re-terminated your designated pairs, replace all the splitters removed to gain access, making sure they are pushed fully into the module and you hear the click.

• Remember other customers are disconnected whist splitters are removed.

• Carryout a visual inspection prior to closing DSLAM cabinet.

Recording Notes…

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Did you enter the DSLAM? Y/N Did changing the splitter resolve the fault? Y/N Did you repair the port? Y/N Did you need to phone DCOE for new port? Y/N Comments/advice from DCOE?

Rollout Plan

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Timescales Identify Engineers Allocate Engineers Issue training material Completion of sign off Kit Issue and paper work

Cast Iron PCP Cabinet Safety

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Cast Iron PCP Cabinet

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Initially introduced to the network in 1946 by the GPO.

This is a typical cast iron PCP (Primary Cross Connection) cabinet. Note the position of the door locks and bolts in the centre.

Prior to opening have a quick visual inspection around the cabinet looking for any visible cracks in any part of the cabinet shell.

A cast Iron shell may also have replacement bespoke steel doors fitted.

Although these cabinets are gradually being phased out due to not being expandable, they are still being entered regularly.

You are advised to use extreme caution when opening these cabinets, they can be dangerous due to the weight of the cast iron doors.

Cast Iron Cabinets Safety

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The hinge pins for the doors are steel and are fitted internally inside the doors and are renown for corrosion.

Pay attention to the top and bottom of the doors where they are connected to the cabinet chassis. don’t put you fingers in between the doors to turn the clamp while under tension.

In the centre of the door frame there is a centre cast iron bar which encompasses the door clamps and lock bolts, this bar is held in place by two screws, (top and bottom) in the past engineers have removed or loosened the screws and removed the centre bar to gain easier access to the SCC (Strips Cross Connection) usually positioned behind it.

As you loosen off the clamp bolts check for movement in the centre bar, this is a heavy item that will cause you harm. The doors are slightly under pressure due to the inlayed door seals which they compress when closed, when opening the doors they tend to spring forward,

Opening a Cast Iron PCP Cabinet

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Means of opening safely.• Slacken off each of the bolts in turn until the doors

begin to open.• Relieve the pressure on the door by applying body

weight while loosening the lock bolts, this will prevent the doors springing open.

• There has been numerous injuries sustained by engineers whom didn’t follow these procedures.

• Don’t be tempted to try to turn the door locks with your fingers while the doors under pressure.

• Continue to open the door bolts and relieve applied body pressure.

• Open the doors slowly to ensure the door hinges are still intact.

• Check the inner cabinet frame for any cracks or damages

• Report all damages via A1024 and apply labels

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Common Problems of Cast Iron Cab’s

• Corroded Door Hinges

• Door Lock Bolts Snap

• Door Stay Fixing Lug on door snapped equipotential bonding not connected.

• Top Front Rail broken near rear top corners of doors.

• Screws missing from front centre bar, therefore the bar is only held in position when doors are closed.

• Should the doors fall due to corroded hinge pins, they tend to cause serious injuries and may break into several pieces.

• Cabinet shell does not withstand any impact, therefore important to visually check before opening cabinet.

End of Slides

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