News and perspectives from the world of fiber optic networking

There's a lot to say in the world of fiber optic networking - planning, design, mapping, technology, software, database, permitting, dark fiber, fiber-to-the-home. The experienced network professionals of 3-GIS know the challenges you face & implement solutions daily.

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Nov 5, 2021 3:25:39 PM
Article Article
  • Fiber network management
  • Data integrity

Three simple considerations to promote fiber network data integrity

It may come as little surprise that communications service providers (CSPs) have experienced increases in operational efficiency by transforming their fiber records from paper and disparate digital files to fiber management specific programs and applications. In the Digital Transformation Tracker 5 report published in 2021 by TM Forum nearly “40% of CSP executives said they are well along the road and reaping significant benefits from [digital] transformation.” (1)

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Sep 1, 2021 8:24:00 AM
Podcast Podcast
  • Cloud security

The playbook for tackling cloud security in 2021

It should go without saying that many, if not most, companies have had to make some changes in the last 18 months. In an era when most facets of life are marked by a pandemic, remote-first culture, the ideology of having employees work from home, has had widespread adoption. In order for this to work, employees need access to data and work files from wherever they are working. This has led many companies to either adopt, or increase, working from the cloud. Whether or not this was the case previously, there are many reasons a company should not rush into it without a strategy and some specific considerations.

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Aug 13, 2021 12:37:00 PM
Podcast Podcast
  • Fiber network construction
  • As-built
  • Communications service providers

Tackling common challenges in the telecommunications industry

Because of the complexity of fiber, many of the common challenges faced by communication service providers (CSPs) today revolve around managing physical network assets. Historically, CSPs have often struggled with getting as-built records at the conclusion of the fiber rollout; but the necessity and growth of fiber has brought this issue further into the spotlight. As-builts are vital to avoiding unexpected expenses during deployment, particularly when construction strays from initial plans and designs.

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Jun 22, 2021 11:17:27 AM
Article Article
  • Fiber network management
  • Telecom technologies
  • GIS
  • Podcast

The value of GIS in the telecom enterprise

Telecommunications is one of the fastest-growing GIS markets in the world.  So fast, in fact, it has a forecasted compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.0% from 2021-2026. A large part of this growth is due to the need for stakeholders to understand the network structure on a near real-time basis.

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Jun 14, 2021 3:36:48 PM
Article Article
  • Fiber network construction
  • Fiber network design and automation

Checkpoints to confirm constructibility

Engineering firms aim to put their best resources on their most complex design projects. That is, they assign their top notch engineers and best software to meet the time and cost requirements. But even the most experienced design engineers need a few good rules of thumb to ensure the constructibility of the deliverable. We’ll share four of our team’s checkpoints that help deliver projects that streamline the processes to service activation.

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Apr 30, 2021 7:43:45 AM
Article Article
  • Fiber network construction
  • Fiber network management
  • Fiber network industry and markets

SSP easily starts your change to better network management with 3-GIS

Schneider Electric’s Fiber Manager was first introduced as a product about twelve years ago.  Since the original version, it has been enhanced to offer multiplexing and enhanced circuit management, but overall, the user interfaces and experiences are basically the same as when first introduced.  

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Apr 27, 2021 10:55:48 AM
Article Article
  • Fiber network management
  • API

APIs: ditching swivel chairs and embracing interoperability

APIs are continuing to shatter the past misconception that they are exclusively for the tech giants. Harvard Business Review1 emphasizes that APIs can enhance operations for small to midsize companies of all industries; a point further proven by the 24,000 APIs listed in Programmable Web’s API directory2 in April 2021, a stark increase from the 12,000 offered in 2015.1 With the growing popularity and availability of APIs, CSPs may become increasingly interested in the suitability of API integration in daily operations. However, equally important to deconstructing API suitability, is understanding how using APIs in conjunction with your network management system can boost your bottom line. 

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Mar 26, 2021 3:54:56 PM
Article Article
  • Fiber network construction
  • Fiber network management
  • Fiber network design and automation
  • RDOF

5 reasons asset management system is needed for RDOF fiber deployment

While there are many challenges that arise during any fiber optic deployment, construction and reporting requirements and deploying fiber in rural areas bring some unique challenges to RDOF projects. One of the most important actions that you can take to meet these challenges is to invest in an asset management system that can meet your current needs and scale with your changing business operations. 

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