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The demand for bandwidth is on a constant rise and communication service providers (CSPs) are working incessantly to meet the rising demands. With the growing importance of digital services, CSPs are continuously innovating to create a balance between quality and expenditures. Accordingly, network infrastructure is undergoing rapid development as well. In a scenario where last-mile connectivity is becoming a necessity, network designs need to be honed. 

Enters FTTx

FTTx or fiber to the “x”, a collective term used to describe a diverse range of broadband network architecture options is the talk of the town today. FTTx architectures use optical fiber for some or all of their last mile connectivity accomplishments. The promise of the dual advantage of higher transmission rates and lower energy consumption makes FTTx a highly desirable choice for the industry. The “x” in FTTx, which stands for the fiber termination point, such as home, antenna, building, etc. makes the network move closer to the user, promising better user experience. 

Data is crucial

Data lies at the heart of all the developments. The CSPs can deliver the expected outcomes only when the project begins with the right data.  The task of building a new fiber network is an incredibly complex task and if the process begins with out of date or inaccurate data, not only will the challenges increase manifold but the final deliveries will also be of no use. As geospatial experts say, “Garbage in, Garbage out.” High-fidelity spatial data is an important component of the entire scaling-up process.

Thus, before planning a rollout, it is mandatory for CSPs to gather and analyze a broad base of project relevant geospatial data. They must have adequate knowledge of their current asset inventory i.e., the type, location, and condition of their current network assets. This data can aid the CSP to not only come up with a true inventory of the organization’s assets but also identify the potential obstacles to the project’s success. Accurate spatial data can also help the CSPs to have a clear knowledge of the features/parameters that they can leverage to their advantage. 

NextGen Network Management with Geospatial

It is estimated by the Fiber Broadband Association that just in the top 25 urban areas of US, 5G will involve deployment of about 1.4 million miles of fiber. Needless to say, CSPs can effectively capitalize on this demand, only if they are able to deploy or expand their networks quickly and efficiently. Asset documentation and management is a major challenge.

A robust ‘geospatially’ powered solution can help the players overcome the bottlenecks. Such a solution can help them in going to market faster by accurately outlining the current connections, mapping the existing infrastructure, and providing a clear view of the available network capacity, thereby helping in identifying the best routes for expansion. 

Additionally, the remote visibility will bring in efficiency in operations and costs by reducing the need for expensive field maintenance tasks. Dynamic reports, based on crucial spatial insights will enable CSPs to accurately evaluate the network and take informed decisions related to acquisitions and sale. 

Conclusion

Since long, GIS is being used by the telecom leaders to achieve efficiency in network design and planning; to prioritize the areas that need maximum improvements, conceptualize a network layout plan, and develop strategies on meeting the capacity requirements optimally.

Using cloud GIS, companies have been storing all planning, engineering, and management data at one place. By combining aerial and underground imagery and adding geo-located asset data, telecom companies have been quickly creating layered, data-rich maps. This type of clear documentation have reduced possibilities of errors and also streamlined communication among the teams.

It is now time to take the capabilities of geospatial to new levels and help the telecom industry achieve new milestones as the world gets ready to embrace advanced technologies like 5G. 

To meet the growing need of better last-mile connectivity, it is vital for the telecom giants to ensure that high-performance networks are built right from the design phase itself. A robust network is fundamental to providing all the promised services. The answer lies in a geospatial-based inventory

Spatial insights can help the stakeholders to have the most effective outcomes in designing, building and operating the network. The role of an experienced ‘design, build, operate and maintain’ partner is crucial in the entire lifecycle; right from network deployment to maintenance. Magnasoft is highly experienced to function as such a partner. 

With numerous successful projects in our repertoire, our expert tem is skilled to effectively address the needs of the communications industry. The Communication Network Services suite offered by us focuses on enabling digital transformation of CSPs and industry leaders. Using our fully integrated and interoperable solution, you can achieve excellence in FTTx network activation, service installation, performance optimization and much more. We understand how crucial geospatial is for a successful 5G rollout and strive to provide robust solutions that make this possibility a reality.

Also Read: Importance of Vegetation Management for Power Lines

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