FiberPlanIT: Comsof's FTTx Network Design Solution

Given the extenisve scope and accuracy of the model, COMSOF foresees the possibility that its solution can be used in several phases of the FTTX network lifetime:

• The first application is the use of the platform as a support tool in the strategic decision making process. The tool can, among others, be used to simulate the following situations:
  • the impact of various architectural choices: determine whether, giving the requirements of the operator, a ring, tree or hybrid topology is more suited for the specific needs of the case.
  • technological choices: direct buried fiber, duct+subduct combination, ... These possibilities can be simulated and analysed regarding their impact in the deployment phase, but also the consequences for the OpEx processes which will keep the network up and running (maintenance, repair, customer connection, ...).
  • evaluate the impact on cost of the envisaged coverage in an area.
• Once the architectural choices are fixed and the decision is made to roll-out, the tool can be used to support the roll-out in two domains:
  • propose an optimised timing and order for rolling out all areas
  • assist network planners in optimising the local roll-out.
  For this purpose, a fully-customised operational support tool can be deployed, based on the requirements of the customer in question. This will probably include the possibility to specify more detailed input information, or manually specified input on local circumstances and constraints specified in a user-friendly manner by the planners.
• Finally, once installed, the tool can be extended to operate as a documentation and tracking system. For this, an integration of the tool with existing inventory and graphical representation tools would be required.

Application of FiberPlanIT

As illustrated in the figure below, COMSOF currently foresees two modes to offer its solution to its customers:

• In the first option, Comsof’s consultants use the platform to generate the necessary results (“Consultancy Services”).
• In the second option, a customised software tool can be developed on demand of a specific customer based on the FiberPlanIT library. Given the wide range of possibilities, a generic all-included tool is currently not foreseen as a commercial offering.

Further information

• FiberPlanIT general
• FiberPlanIT example