A method and apparatus for estimating a rock strength profile of a formation is disclosed. Moreover, the continuous strip of framing material includes features to create a three-dimensional frame structure for wrapping about filtration media in a manner to provide a strong and effective filter product assembly. After densification, the bearing metal layer is annealed, again pressed, and then coated with a resin having good sliding properties. The phase of a wave reflected from the sub-line is adjusted so as to be shifted by about 90 degrees at the intersection of the junction conductor. Further, the present invention couples the directionless optical architecture and associated optical protection mechanisms with existing mesh restoration schemes to provide additional resiliency.