SiFi Networks funds, builds and operates community wide fibre optic networks across cities in the USA. Tasked with sizeable network projects across the USA, they require experienced network design and integration partners to work alongside them as part of their virtual project team to fulfil multiple fibre rollout projects.
SiFi Networks is funding, building and operating city wide, open access, 10 gig enabled fibre networks under its Fibercity® brand. FiberCities® are the backbone for economic development and are digitally sustainable enabling Smart City applications and a citywide infrastructure footprint that closes the digital divide that is prevalent in US cities.
The national management network project required a network implementation company with experience of rolling our lit fibre networks. They needed to increase network capacity but had a tight budget to maintain in doing so.
As a multi-disciplined project, there were several complex challenges. There was a need to move to a more efficient and automated way to onboard new customers and overcome the connectivity challenges of an unreliable lit fibre service. These challenges, met also with a limited vendor ecosystem, legacy network topography and outdated deployment methods, meant that a holistic end to end approach to the project was required.
Essentially, SiFi Networks needed a full redesign of the network management architecture.
Challenges at a Glance
- Needed to automate onboarding new customers and services
- Expensive and unreliable lit fibre services hampering robust network management connectivity
- Lack of multi-vendor management system meaning vendor lock-in
- Legacy network management topology, which was not supportive of growth
- Inefficient “traditional” methods to track deployed assets and IP Addressing
What We Did
All of the network procedures and pain points were documented and reviewed. Working in unison with SiFi networks, the teams identified additional needs such as enhanced security and support for the growing use of cloud services.
NetPMD uncovered that the network topology would be inefficient for scaling the network. and that a lack of systems across central locations would also be key inhibitors to implementing the company’s deployment strategy.
With these findings and following consultation and recommendations, the team developed a detailed plan and implemented the following systems:
• Network Management Transport Mechanism (IPsec/OSPF/BGP)
• Network Utility’s (DHCP/DNS/AAA)
• Network Management Systems (NMS/ACS/Inventory)
• ISP & User Provisioning Systems (NetCONF/API)
The Solution
NetPMD provided a holistic end to end project in which the outcome was a full redesign of the network management architecture. In close collaboration with SIFI Networks, NetPMD applied its “technical IT” methodology and experience to develop a transformation roadmap.
The Benefits
Enables Smart City/IOT applications
Increases city revenue
Boosts economic development
Citywide network that closes the digital divide
Improves city services, healthcare and educational services
Digitally futureproofs cities
More connectivity choices at competitive prices
Retains and attracts business
