My father started OSPInsight in a splicing van in 1993. Trained at a defense contractor, he was committed to creating and providing exquisite splicing documentation. Entering the telecom industry, he differentiated himself as a splicing contractor by providing digital splicing documentation years before this was mainstream. These early records eventually developed into OSPInsight, an industry-leading fiber management software platform.

After over 25 years in the fiber network management world, we’ve learned a thing or two about how networks evolve over time and how the needs of operators change along the way.

Fiber operators typically start out documenting their records, fiber data, splices, etc., on paper maps or static spreadsheets. Some come right out of the gates using a geospatial tool, like Google Earth, to build visual representations of their networks. And others work with engineering firms that pass along “as-built” information in the form of pdf CAD drawings.

“Tribal knowledge” is overlooked and underappreciated information that only exists in the minds of key employees. The problem with tribal knowledge is that we often don’t realize how valuable it is until it’s gone. When people with tribal knowledge leave for other pastures they take their insights with them, losing valuable information and forcing others to fill in gaps that they didn’t even know existed.

Every fiber optic network operator needs a mapping software platform.

As the world gears up for 5G, fiber optic cable technology will only become more important for enabling high-speed, long-distance broadband all over the world.

Effective network design and installation are extremely important to the overall success of fiber development projects. However, managing networks on a day-to-day basis requires a different set of skills and resources.

Maintaining clear and accurate documentation is incredibly important when designing a network.

Thorough documentation saves time, money, and resources during installation, as well as enables quick troubleshooting when future network issues arise. Often times, operators overlook the value of project documentation until it’s too late.

Network contractors are tremendously important to the overall success of the fiber development project. Potential partners should be evaluated on a number of metrics before moving forward with an installation.

After a network is designed, installation teams are ready to move forward. Installing fiber networks can be overwhelming as there are many teams to coordinate and tasks to execute. It’s important to develop an organized installation process and ensure all those involved are clear on their responsibilities.

A link loss budget analysis is how operators measure the operating characteristics of their networks. They are used to confirm that network equipment can support the target fiber optic link before the network is actually built.

There are many reasons why cables break and fiber networks go down. In the design phase, it’s important to spend significant time on contingency planning and developing networks that are built to last.