Yes, the Microchip datasheets are more of a challenge than an information source, lol, I always find myself referring back and forth between code and datasheet, design and datasheet and hardware and datasheet, so many options!
Laying cable is a tedious task, did a stint at the Tamar Bridge / Saltash Tunnel laying fibre optic about 5 years ago, constantly on the OTDR meter, checking for reliability!
What type of controller are you building? Is this what you wanted the radio stuff for?