Resources

18th Nov 2024 0

Transforming Network Management: A Success Story 

Businesses face numerous challenges in maintaining robust and efficient network management systems. We’re exploring the key issues encountered by NetPMD customers – SiFi Networks – and the innovative solutions implemented to overcome them, leading to a successful transformation. 

The Challenges 

– Automating Onboarding of New Customers and Services: SiFi Networks needed to streamline the process of onboarding new customers and services to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. 

– Expensive and Unreliable Fibre Services: High costs and unreliable fibre services were hampering SiFi Networks’ ability to maintain a robust network management system and ensure consistent connectivity. 

– Lack of Multi-Vendor Management System The absence of a multi-vendor management system led to vendor lock-in, limiting SiFi Networks’ flexibility and ability to leverage the best solutions from different providers. 

– Legacy Network Management Topology: The existing network management topology was outdated and not supportive of SiFi Networks’ growth ambitions, necessitating a modern and scalable solution. 

– Inefficient Traditional Methods: Traditional methods for tracking deployed assets and IP addressing were inefficient, leading to operational bottlenecks and increased risk of errors. 

The Solutions 

To address these challenges, SiFi Networks implemented several strategic initiatives: 

– Automated Onboarding Processes: By automating the onboarding process, SiFi Networks significantly reduced the time and effort required to integrate new customers and services, leading to improved operational efficiency. 

– Upgrading Fibre Services: SiFi Networks invested in more reliable and cost-effective fibre solutions, ensuring better network performance and reducing downtime. 

– Implementing a Multi-Vendor Management System: A new multi-vendor management system was introduced, allowing SiFi Networks to avoid vendor lock-in and select the best technologies from various providers. 

– Modernizing Network Topology: The legacy network topology was replaced with a modern, scalable architecture that supports SiFi Networks’ growth and future-proofing its network infrastructure. 

– Adopting Advanced Asset Tracking Methods: Advanced methods for tracking deployed assets and IP addressing were adopted, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in network management operations. 

Additionally, all 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 SiFi Networks’ 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 Utilities (DHCP/DNS/AAA) 

– Network Management Systems (NMS/ACS/Inventory) 

– ISP & User Provisioning Systems (NetCONF/API) 

The implementation of these solutions brought numerous 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 

Holistic Project Approach 

NetPMD provided a holistic end-to-end project, resulting in 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. 

Result 

As a result of the implementations, the network management IT business case and transformation roadmap were well-received by stakeholders. The project has strengthened the partnership between SiFi Networks and NetPMD. SiFi Networks appreciates both the deep technical knowledge of the NetPMD project team and the joined-up approach in terms of ways of working. 

With NetPMD redesigning the network management architecture, SiFi Networks will be able to increase network capacity and performance, all while reducing annual network spend. 

Want to learn more about how NetPMD can support and accelerate your program’s time-to-live timeline? Get in touch today.