JUNE 2024CIOAPPLICATIONS.COM8CXO InsightsIN MY VIEWINTRODUCTIONWorld-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 TARIK DIXON, GISP, RICS, SENIOR FIBER ARCHITECT, DIGICEL GROUPLEVERAGING GEOSPATIAL (LOCATION-BASED) TECHNOLOGIES FOR EFFICIENT FIBER ROLLOUTS AND NETWORK MANAGEMENTTarik Dixon
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