News and perspectives from the world of fiber optic networking

Article

• Fiber network industry and markets

5G will only be as powerful as the fiber networks supporting it

What is expected

5G is the highly anticipated next generation of wireless service that will blow the doors off 4G in terms of bandwidth, data capacity and latency. It must be fiber first before 5G. Because of the nature of 5G, the difference in propagation of the networks that will be built on that 5G standard means that having a low and tight design for the array of cell sites, small cells, DAS, as well as FTTH is resulting in new and denser fiber plants as the foundation for supporting the architecture of the next-generation networks.

Article

• Fiber network management
• Fiber network design and automation
• Telecom technologies

Let technology power your rural broadband project success

If your organization wins an RDOF block, you will need to come up with a plan to build and manage your new network in a way that will maximize its return. Building large networks in rural areas is a big job with a lot of potential risks. Embracing technology, specifically fiber network management and design software, can help reduce the risk and bring efficiency to all phases of the new network. Here are some of the ways the right software can maximize the ROI for RDOF projects:

Article

• Fiber network industry and markets

Keeping up with the growing demand for fiber

The demand for data across the globe has been steadily gaining speed. According to a Cisco report, global internet traffic was 26,600 GB per second in 2016, compared to 2,000 GB per second in 2007. That trend is forecasted to continue. The networks that will deliver the bandwidth needed will be built with fiber. Fiber is the top choice for network cable for several reasons; its transmission is faster and has less signal loss than copper, and fiber optic cables are less likely to break. Signs of new fiber deployments can be seen all over the country as well as signs of significant growth from fiber manufacturers announcing large fiber orders in terms of footage. 

Article

• Fiber network construction

Densification and the math of 5G

Without more deep fiber, carriers will be unable to support the projected increase in mobile data traffic for 5G applications. 5G is expected to provide gigabit speeds, ultra-high capacity and ultra-low latency. The skyrocketing demand for data will put 5G performance to the test. By 2021 there are forecasted to be 27.1 billion network connected devices, up from 17.1 billion in 2016. If the new network lives up to its promise it will be powering devices like automated cars, virtual reality and streaming 8K quality video. 5G is not going to operate like previous networks.

Article

• Fiber network design and automation

There's gold in that there ground!

Are you outfitted to extend your network to find the best routes and stake your claim?

New customers are calling their ISPs requesting broadband services, the response they get has to be accurate and like the gold rush it has to be fast. Whether it is your network or your customer’s network you want to find the best routes to extend the existing fiber assets to new locations.

Article

• Fiber network construction

Construction ride out and FTTx deployments

3-GIS often times finds itself providing both consulting and implementation services to support construction rideout (CRO) activities.  Interestingly, many of our customers approach these activities using different workflows and processes to yield essentially the same result.  3-GIS outlines the methodologies to consider if you are interested in developing a FTTH deployment strategy. 

Article

• Telecom technologies

Improve network data using GIS

New telecommunication networks are being created at a rate never seen in our lifetime. There is a rush to get things built and new clients online to generate revenue. This fast - paced world is pushing for new technology to be adopted while causing pinch points in some areas and over-building in others. The cost difference of installing a 48-strand cable verse a 96-strand cable is nominal, so many companies put in more than needed in order to generate revenue from the dark fiber.

Article

• Fiber network design and automation
• FTTH

FTTH design & engineering standards- what you need to be successful?

Many of our customers are facing challenges as it relates to documenting specifications, data models, and output required to support the end-to-end design and construction process for fiber to the home (FTTH). This is true whether you are considering utilizing conventional CAD-based technology or leveraging a geographic information system (GIS). 3-GIS has faced these challenges head on with our customers and wanted to pass on some lessons learned for consideration.