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Fiber networks have revolutionized connectivity, uniting people across the globe with high-speed internet and fostering collaboration. But not everyone is benefiting. More than 30 million Americans live in rural areas without broadband infrastructure or access to affordable and reliable high-speed Internet. The cost to reach these targeted homes and communities is expensive, time-consuming, labor-intensive and prone to human errors. However, recently passed US laws changed the outlook toward fiber networks in unserved and underserved communities.
New federal grant programs aim to get all Americans online by funding partnerships between states or territories, communities and stakeholders to build infrastructure that provides high-speed internet to everyone. With many providers seeking to expand their reach into underserved areas, there is a significant first-mover advantage for those able to secure subsidies. Most ISPs use traditional and highly manual methods of fiber network deployment, complete with many challenges. However, the game-changing capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming fiber network deployment and management. AI-powered fiber deployments significantly ease the effort in broadband expansion, allowing underserved communities and residents to receive the economic, educational and healthcare benefits usually reserved for urban or suburban areas.
Obstacles with Designing Fiber Networks
Fiber planning and design are essential in extending broadband but include many obstacles. Available trained workers are limited. As a result, operators pay daily for design and construction services. Unpredictable staffing can produce inconsistent engineering standards, leading to design and operational flaws. In addition, time-consuming and labor-intensive manual processes negatively impact speed and create high-cost results. Further, the lack of automated workflow lengthens intervals and reduces first-movers' advantage. The consequences of these obstacles include budget depletion, corrections and mistakes that erode possible profits, postponed implementations, delayed income recognition and failure to adapt to market fluctuations.
AI Can Improve the Dynamics of Outside Plant Designs
Using AI in the design workflow improves route planning by assessing and analyzing large data sets – geography, population growth rates, urban development plans and census data – significantly improving fiber route plans and capital efficiency. By analyzing historical data, AI algorithms can identify patterns and trends that allow operators to allocate resources more effectively and deploy fiber infrastructure in areas with high predicted demand to prevent overbuilding or underserving specific regions.
Operators can also achieve improved cost models using AI-enabled design tools. AI tools can learn permitting standards (i.e., local and railroad commission) to shorten intervals for permit submission and reduce errors that cause resubmission or revisions. Quality test planning, capacity budgets and reduced quality issues can improve operator capital budget efficiency.
Finally, bandwidth capacity management improves with AI-infused software. AI can optimize the allocation of network resources based on dynamic demand patterns. In addition, AI can dynamically adjust resource allocation to maximize network efficiency by analyzing usage patterns and predicting demand fluctuations to minimize network congestion.
AI Accelerates OSP Design
AI-driven automation can reduce manual tasks, corrections and mistakes, speeding up the design process. The manual design process takes 45-60 days to gather the required data and perform field visits. The challenges include a need for more transparency, a high level of rework and too many repeat follow-ups. The AI-automated fiber design process takes about 25 days. High-level design (HLD) can automate on-field surveys and validation (existing and new details, homes, sketch design) per standards and create HLD in geographic information systems. Micro-level design (LLD) can automate the creation of prints, schematics, straight-line diagrams and supporting documents, including splitter information, permits, BOM, etc. Digitalization in fiber design operations minimizes manual work and rework, ensuring a right-first approach.
AI Will Help Connect Everyone
America runs on high-speed internet. Broadband internet powers our economy. It supports education, fosters better public health, connects loved ones and strengthens social ties. But not everyone is connected. Too many Americans don’t have access to the opportunities that high-speed internet makes possible. The November 2021 Infrastructure Deal’s $65 billion investment aims to ensure every American has access to reliable high-speed internet, like the federal government’s historic effort to provide electricity to every American nearly one hundred years ago.
Currently, many operators utilize manual fiber network design practices that are expensive, time-consuming and labor-intensive. CSPs should pivot to an AI-led deployment to save money, effort and time – and capture first-mover advantage.
Wipro is helping Telcos and CSPs use AI to build last-mile connectivity. As an established player in the market, Wipro has proven its proficiency in network deployment through its defined processes and workflow-based tools (automation, software-based architecture, etc.) for effective network deployment. By fusing technology with purpose, we can help extend broadband infrastructure to provide high-speed connections for everyone.
