Leveraging Geospatial (location-based) Technologies for Efficient Fiber Rollouts and Network Management

Tarik Dixon, GISP, RICS, Head of GIS, Network Design & Operations at Digicel Group

INTRODUCTION

World-class platforms should manage world-class networks, while next-generation networks require next-generation technologies to deliver optimal network performance. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) like GPS, and Remote Sensing (RS) are advanced location-based technologies that can play a pivotal role in transforming the operations of wireline (i.e., fixed-line) networks such as Fiber to the X (FTTx), Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC), and Copper.

The Inside Plant (ISP) and Outside Plant (OSP) of fixed-line (wireline) networks are inextricably linked. The logical network must be married to the physical plant to ensure the best network quality, a seamless customer experience, and optimal efficiency and performance.

GIS presents an ideal medium to tie the former to the latter by spatially representing network elements and geo-visualizing customer distribution against population density while allowing engineers to design networks based on real-world conditions. This ability to model, map, and manage fiber networks—pre-, during, and post-network deployment is an essential precursor to ensuring that Capex invested unlocks maximum value and the useful life of the fiber asset is maximized via effective quality control and assurance.

THE SPATIAL PROBLEMS 

Telecommunications service providers all face similar spatial challenges in managing fiber networks. The passive nature of fiber assets creates an essential need for operators to map and track network elements, fiber utilization, and network services.

Ignoring the significance of location-based decision-making can introduce significant risks to fiber projects, for example, instances where the project deliverables are not met during execution due to the lack of spatial considerations—which adversely affects the targets in the business case. A key illustration is not executing a spatial analysis on unapproved/pending pole permits, make-ready requirements, and special engineering difficulties, which can have a material impact on fiber rollouts, resulting in budget overruns and creating artificial barriers to bridging the digital divide.

Another spatial problem is a lack of standardized tools and systems among stakeholders. Network designers, engineers, builders, and subsequent operators utilize different platforms to execute their respective workflows. This process can lead to project delays and unavoidably creates numerous issues ranging from incorrect as-built, wrong network documentation, outdated printed maps, version control issues, construction errors, illogical feeds, spatial misalignments, difficulty reconciling or tracking contractor daily submissions, material shortages, and/or surplus stock. 

A GEOSPATIAL SOLUTION

Implementing a GIS at the heart of operations (i.e., from conception to implementation) is an ideal response to solving many first, middle, and last-mile challenges. This can be achieved using the same GIS ecosystem to design, map, monitor, and manage projects and business-as-usual activities.

Customers, telcos, and designers view the network differently, and this dynamic makes it very difficult to offer a unified service using multiple systems. Mapping areas for line extensions, edge outs, and multi-dwelling units (MDUs) can give a common understanding of areas for network overbuilds while analyzing unserved and underserved communities in a GIS can accurately calculate the build capex required for network expansion and avoid unintended internet redlining. 

Spatially representing network elements with an overlay of fiber breaks, failed installs, and poor network coverage (i.e., dead zones) can also help to identify trends and patterns that were not apparent with tabular analysis.

CONCLUSION

GIS is the premier location-based technology capable of tackling the numerous network deployment barriers cited above. The technology’s ability to model designed networks prior to construction, track design change requests, monitor break fixes, support service delivery, and monitor operations and maintenance makes it conclusively clear that GIS should play a critical role in the operations of any Multi-Systems Operator (MSOs), telco, carrier that aims to effectively manage any wireline assets.