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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Jan 5, 2023 3:22:09 PM
Article Article
  • Fiber network management
  • Telecom technologies
  • GIS
  • App modernization
  • Communications service providers

Shifting OSP network management in the face of system obsolescence

I started my career supporting utilities and their GIS programs, specifically migrating their legacy CAD-based technologies to the latest in Esri-based GIS platforms.  Interestingly, a successful migration was not necessarily predicated on a better user experience; but rather, success was measured by the vision and commitment of the customer to change.  They knew, for instance, that user adoption would be a slow and painful process and that efficiencies gained would be measured by the operational impact, as opposed to the individual user experience.  Enabling the larger organization with the data it needed to make clear and concise decisions was going to be critical in either maintaining a competitive advantage or, for the public utility, delivering quality services at an affordable price. While this change has not been easy, GIS-based technologies are now a critical component to most if not all utilities around the globe. 

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Dec 15, 2022 9:54:22 AM
Article Article
  • Fiber network management
  • Configuration
  • 3-GIS | Admin

Three ways to use self-service configuration to gain more from your fiber network data

System setup…this tedious, daunting, but somewhat overlooked process is the lifeblood of any enterprise software solution. And, with the accelerating pace of designing and building out fiber, an asset management system that you can just “set and forget” no longer exists. Processes change. People change. You need to be able to adapt your network management solution quickly and with little to no downtime for your user base.  

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Aug 16, 2022 8:30:00 AM
  • Fiber network management

Stop the status quo: Rethink your fiber network management strategy

Here is a conundrum: if fiber technology is ever-changing, why would you ever embrace the status quo for your long-term fiber network deployment and management strategy?

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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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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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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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