Latest Contributions by SpatialNinja

  Communications Data Management for ArcGIS Enterprise provides a flexible deployment option for managing communications networks in Esri’s ArcGIS. .  This technology is intended to help telecommunications providers with more advanced network needs model their assets, build a network, perform traces, and implement business rules.  You may have downloaded and tested early preview versions of Communications Network Foundation in the past; this new solution is the fully released with a re-naming to Communications Data Management. ... View more

Demonstrations, Solutions, User Stories, and More ... View more

The Communications Data Management for ArcGIS Online solution offers a fully hosted cloud solution for GIS based PNI management. The solution includes a configurable web app for managing network facilities and editing assets. This 'Communications Editor' app leverages ArcGIS Web AppBuilder which offers an easy to use framework for configuring web apps, and includes a variety of drag and drop tools and widgets to add additional functionality to your apps. One of these available out of box widgets in the Cost Analysis widget. The Cost Analysis widget allows you to assign a cost factor for each feature you create. These costs are automatically tallied and provide an overall project or job cost. Additional cost factors can be applied, or the entire cost can be scaled based on factors not captured in the data. Costs can be assigned for the edit templates of each layer, and they can be different depending on the area in which the features are created. The Cost Analysis widget requires a project or job polygon layer to store the location of the cost analysis boundary and costing information.  Since the the Communications Data Management solution does not include a project or job boundary layer apart of the hosted feature layers that are deployed with the solution, the attached GDB below includes a 'Job Area' polygon layer that can be published as a hosted feature layer and used with the Cost Analysis widget. The GDB also includes the additional cost tables required by the Cost Analysis widget. Once the Cost Analysis layers have been published to your organization, the layers can be added to the 'Communications Editor' web map. Then, edit and configure the 'Communications Editor' app in ArcGIS Web AppBuilder. Add the Cost Analysis widget to the app, and select the appropriate map layers in the Project Settings tab of the widget configuration. Under Layer Settings tab, select all the Communications Data Management asset groups that should be included in the costing of a project.  If you would like the status of the project or job to update the Lifecycle Status of the assets associated with the project, select the settings gear for a layer and update the Layer Attribute Settings to have the status in the 'Project Phase' field for the project layer to be passed to the 'Lifecycle Status' field of your asset group layers. Then, under the Costing Info tab you can set up the costs for each of your assets.  For example, setting up a cost of $3 per foot of fiber.  The costs of your assets can also vary based on Geography or Scenario.  For more information on using cost multipliers, refer to the resources doc for the Cost Analysis widget. https://doc.arcgis.com/en/web-appbuilder/create-apps/widget-cost-analysis.htm Finally, configure Additional Settings if you would like to see additional project summaries in the widget, like the total overhead or underground mileage. Under this tab you can also add additional project cost to be added to the total cost of the assets, such as permitting or construction costs.  Once the Cost Analysis widget has been configured, users can start creating cost analysis projects, digitizing in assets associated with a design or job, and automatically have the total cost calculated by the widget. Cost information is stored with the project or job, and projects can be loaded back into the widget at any time. Assets can also be drawn in manually or copied from another feature layer. And lastly, the widget also allows for a high-level bill or materials to be exported to CSV. Feel free to reply to this blog with any questions or enhancement requests to the Cost Analysis widget.   Patrick Huls Solution Engineer - Telecommunications‌ LinkedIn: Patrick Huls | Twitter: @SpatialNinja | GeoNet:Phuls-esristaff ... View more

By now, its pretty well known that the 5G technology and the spectrum frequencies being used to deliver on the promises of better wireless speeds and latency will require lots of small cells.  The amount of infrastructure being deployed to deliver 5G far exceeds previous wireless technologies, and therefore the amount of CAPEX being invested is far greater than ever before. So wireless carriers need to be more strategic in where they deploy 5G in order to get the highest ROI.  And this is where GIS can help. So in this blog I'll outline a few GIS based spatial analysis tools that can be used to optimize the locations and placement of cell sites in order to get the highest return with the least amount of CAPEX spent. Suitability Modeler A suitability model is used to determine the best location to site things or areas to preserve, like locating the best locations to place cell sites.  The new Suitability Modeler in ArcGIS enables you to create a suitability model in an intuitive, integrated framework. The following image illustrates the sample suitability model workflow for cell site suitability: Since determining the ideal locations for a cell site can be based on multiple factors and different criteria, suitability analysis allows you to look at existing network statistics or call records as well as demographics, and weight them accordingly to come up with the best areas that address all of these variables.  The Suitability Modeler through ArcGIS Pro offers an easy to use transformation pane to reclassify and transform your input datasets, along with charts to see the distribution of your data. The results of the suitability analysis provide you with areas that are highly suitable.  This suitability map can be used to locate structures within highly suitable areas for small cell deployment, and can also be used to optimize the location allocation of cell sites, which we'll discuss later in this blog. Closest Facility A second big driver of cell site placement is proximity to existing OSP facilities.  Traditional calculations of nearest fiber cable or network access point relied of straight line crow flies distance.  This straight line distance doesn't accurately reflect the potential path of a fiber backhaul.  The Closest Facility tool in ArcGIS allows you to calculate the street distance which more accurately represents the route a fiber cable will take. With the Closest Facility tool, quickly locate the nearest network access points to all the potential cell site locations to calculate distance and potential cost to serve that site.  Location Allocation From all the candidate structure locations for a cell site that are near network access points, and that fall within our highly suitable areas, how do we then optimize which sites to build in order to cover the most area with the fewest number of cell sites? The Location Allocation tool within ArcGIS chooses the best location or locations from a set of input candidates, by assigning demand points to input candidates in a way that allocates the most demand to candidates and minimizes overall distance. This tool can be used to ensure new retail stores cover a certain market share or to evenly space out fire departments to ensure 4 min response times.  This tool can also be used to optimize the selection of cell site candidates to ensure maximum coverage with the fewest number of sites. In the example graphic below, we've converted our high suitability areas to points which will become the demand points in the Location Allocation tool. This means we want to reach the demand points with the highest suitability score using the fewest number of cell sites within a specific radius of our sites. Since the the Location Allocation tool leverages a Network Dataset to calculate distance to demand points and distance between facility candidates or cell sites, we create a generic mesh network for use in the tool, shown in the graphic below. Finally, we run the Location Allocation tool using the potential cell site locations at input facilities, the suitability points as the demand points, and our mesh network as the Network Dataset.  We can also use the distance each potential cell site location is from the nearest network access point as a weight to influence the final chosen cell sites.  The suitability score of our demand points is also being used as a weight to influence the final selection. And lastly, we set a distance threshold of 100 meters for a potential cell site to reach a given demand point, which is used in lieu of a RF predicted coverage area.  The graphic below shows the final selection of cell sites and the top scored sites in the table. Using the the 3 ArcGIS spatial analysis tools just discussed we are able to locate areas of high suitability for cell sites. Then, from a list of potential cell site structures within those suitable areas we optimized the selection of sites based on proximity to nearest network access point and greatest coverage of the suitability demand points with fewest number of sites.  Please feel free to comment or reach out to us with any questions, feedback, or ideas for improving this workflow.   Thanks, - Esri Telecom Team telecominfo@esri.com telug ... View more

Communication networks are continually evolving, and as these complex networks evolve, planners and engineers need the proper tools to design NextGen networks as effectively and efficiently as possible.     They need tools to properly design a network no matter the network technology or architecture, streamline the design through automation tools, track and manage all of the network designs supporting fiber densification and 5G build out, and easily share their designs to the field and others involved in the project. A complete GIS delivers solutions for all of these requirements, and ArcGIS is the only complete GIS designed for the telecommunications industry in mind. Let’s explore how ArcGIS can support planning and engineering NextGen communication networks.   The Project Life Cycle The project process begins with planning and extends through high-level design, detailed engineering, and into construction. Teamwork between the office and field forces is critical to a smooth and cost-effective process. Correct as-built information feeds the organizations' sales efforts and service qualification practices. All these functions can capitalize on the same data and GIS platform: ArcGIS. Information plays a key role throughout the entire project life cycle. ArcGIS goes beyond powerful mapping to unify the necessary data. A modern communications network is complex. Reliable engineering builds on detailed models and architecture rules of the network that reflect the real world. It relies on state-of-the-art visualization and analytics. These communicate engineering trade-offs and decisions. Designing networks that support both wireless and fixed network services demand flowing coordination and clear collaboration between departments and contractors.   Ninja Pro Tip: ArcGIS Workflow Manager | Enterprise Workflow Management System    ArcGIS allows you to easily see and track all design projects and their phases; from planning through as-built. The worst scenario that can happen is two designs occur in the same location and duplicate efforts happen that could have been avoided using a GIS based project tracking tool to easily manage and see all the projects.   High-Level Design ArcGIS uses location technology to hone engineering work and provides an all-inclusive view of the network and its surroundings.  Bring the field to the engineer with remote engineering tools like street level imagery and access to planning datasets so that engineers can see the many factors impacting their work.   Compelling analytics and robust tracing actions highlight valuable insights to better understand network capacity and automate network routes. Whether its FTTx or fiber backhaul, enter in your design rules and let ArcGIS do the heavy lifting of returning a high-level design that is ready for a walkout. Ninja Pro Tip: Backhaul Optimization Solution Template Detailed Engineering The robust rule engine and framework within ArcGIS allows engineers to set up the design criteria and make changes with ease. Import architecture rules and equipment templates and lock down changes to allow for consistent network designs. As a web services platform, ArcGIS allows engineers to design from anywhere using a web or mobile app, or a traditional desktop client.  Ninja Pro Tip: Learn more about ArcGIS Utility Network Management  Along with traditional map views, schematic views are built into ArcGIS. Engineers need to evaluate detailed design considerations. To do so, they use schematics derived from the same solid data foundation stored in the GIS. As designs are completed and ready for permitting and construction, specific equipment details exist in the context of broad, location-based information. Reliable data reinforces tools to determine material and labor estimates based on actual field conditions, and generating an accurate BOM is quick and easy. Coordination and Collaboration Design information must be easily accessible to those that use it. Coordination and collaboration begin with a mobile-friendly technology platform. ArcGIS uses web services to reach out across the web and put the right information into the right hands, at the right time. Convey Projects Widely on Any Device ArcGIS changes the way field staff connect with engineering. It distributes information, map displays, and even 3D representations on any device. It does this for the office and the field—whether connected or disconnected. Collaborate with Internal and External Participants Crews, contractors, and planners alike all need design information like drawings and schematics. Internal and external stakeholders also need to share project updates. ArcGIS provides all members of project teams with the flexible, role-based information products they need to work together. Distribute Design Information Instantaneously ArcGIS promotes common understanding by communicating project information immediately. It works at the speed of a services-based architecture. It leverages cloud computing where needed and improves situational awareness at every point along design, construction, and operations workflows.   The Complete GIS—Supporting Planning and Engineering Most telecommunications organizations already use GIS in some capacity. Yet how they use it is changing. ArcGIS is a complete GIS, meaning that it contains all the elements needed to meet planning and engineering challenges, not just to make conventional maps. Ninja Pro Tip: ArcGIS Solutions for Telecom - Esri: Putting the Geospatial in 5G   ArcGIS supports real-world modeling. It delivers rich visualization and analytics with artificial intelligence (AI). It enables immediate coordination and collaboration with mobile apps and web browsers. It maintains key information needed for efficient design work. It discovers hidden meaning in data and distributes insights to everyone who needs business intelligence.   These capabilities unite all the phases of planning and engineering. They combine asset details with network performance and future plans. With location as the centerpiece, a complete design picture helps improve key performance indicators and business results. Telecom organizations face considerable challenges today and will continue to do so in the future. ArcGIS brings exceptional value to every organization’s engineering, design, and construction practice. Be sure to check out the upcoming three part webinar series on ArcGIS Utility Network Management. -  Webinar 1 (July 😎 : 7 Steps to get started with the Utility Network - 9:00am - 10:00am -  Webinar 2 (July 22) : The Business Value of ArcGIS Utility Network -9:00am - 10:00am -  Webinar 3 (August 5) : Migration and Implementation to ArcGIS Utility Network - 9:00am -  10:00am Register Today: 2020 Utility Network Webinar Series Patrick Huls Solution Engineer - Telecommunications‌ LinkedIn: Patrick Huls| Twitter: @SpatialNinja| GeoNet:Phuls-esristaff ... View more

Let me start by stating that I’m a solutions engineer for Esri, a geographic information systems (GIS) software vendor.  In our world, physical geography and location matter.  Esri has offered physical network inventory (PNI) solutions to the communications industry for many years. Which makes sense, because GIS is all about managing the geographic location of assets and spatially analyzing location information, so it’s the perfect technology for PNI. But as communication networks evolve, what does that mean for GIS?  As I began an existential crisis, I asked myself: What happens to the PNI in a world where software defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) takes over? Are maps and location intelligence less important since network intelligence is less dependent on the physical hardware? Does the physical network and location of switches or routers even matter anymore? How will PNI solutions support NextGen network management in virtualized environments? What role do location and GIS play in SDN?   Since I think spatially for a living, I figured I better get to work understanding the virtual world.   First off, what does SDN and NFV really mean? Well, it’s the evolution of networking where network functions like firewalls and web adapters (which have traditionally been hardcoded into hardware) get abstracted to a virtualized layer, called NFV services. These NFV services are controlled by one master traffic cop or controller, versus relying on the individual hardware itself.    This allows you to dynamically add and remove NFV services and optimize network traffic without the restrictions of how physical switches and routers have been deployed into the network. APIs allow all these interactions and optimizations to take place between the data or hardware tier, NFV services tier, the controller, and the network applications on top. The value that SDN brings is an open architecture that offers less hardware vendor lock-in enables on-demand new products and services that are software configured instead of requiring hardware replacement network traffic can be optimized automatically during peak demand So again, in an SDN world where network intelligence is less hardware dependent, do traditional PNI solutions, which provide information on the hardware and its networking characteristics, offer any value to NextGen network management where networking is all virtualized?  My answer would be yes, the PNI still matters, but not in its traditional use. The PNI can no longer be just a database in which you store as-builts.  It needs to be integrated directly into NextGen network management systems to support new business processes and network analytics.  Here are few examples of how the PNI can support NextGen network management.   Service Qualification On-demand network services means on the fly service qualification is required. Where is the customer in the network and what services are available? The physical and logical network need to work closely together to answer that question. And from my experience, PNI and LNI systems and databases have historically been silo’d from each other, silo’d from other OSS/BSS, and even silo’d between different network technologies. One system to manage fiber, another to manage wireless, and another to manage coax and copper. To qualify services, independent of the physical network delivering the services, PNI systems need to support multiple network technologies and easily integrate with the LNI to help answer the question of where a customer is located, and what services are available at their location.  Relying on a desktop engineer to respond to a service qualification request in a matter of days or even hours will not cut it, the PNI and LNI working together will need to answer that question in near real-time. From Design to As-Built With 5G comes more small cell deployments and fiber densification. This means far more network design and buildout projects are occurring and even more as-builts are piling up. In order to support the real-time service qualification above, the PNI needs to seamlessly integrate with engineering tools and the whole design process. That way, once new physical network is built and operational, the as-builts feed right into the PNI and become a part of the service qualification process.  Only with an up to date PNI and LNI can you truly offer on-demand services that leverage near real-time service qualification. Network Optimization Network analytics is the secret sauce to SDN and NextGen network management. An SDN controller can orchestrate how traffic moves across the network and can dynamically allocate more or less bandwidth based on demand.  Network analytics and AI/ML tools will allow for real-time analysis of network capacity and enable proactive network optimization. Yup, forget PNM, PNO is the new acronym on the block. But in order to optimize network traffic, you’ll need to understand where demand is, what access points customers are connecting to, and any physical network restrictions.  These are all questions a GIS based PNI can answer. For example, to move virtual reality (VR) services closer to the edge and reduce latency concerns, you need to know where the edge is, and what hardware can store local video caches. If a natural disaster is going to affect a portion of the network, and you need to route network traffic around that area, you to know where that storm will impact the physical network. Again, the PNI can no longer just be a standalone database, and needs to be built on a highly scalable, services based, cloud native platform that allows for network analytics to be run on the physical network. So there you have it, my thoughts on the roles the PNI will play in NextGen network management. It won’t be the PNI solutions of today, but an evolved, much more sophisticated GIS-based platform that integrates right into NextGen network management systems that leverage SDN. A platform that supports all network technologies, tightly couples PNI and LNI, provides network analytics, and is open. A platform like ArcGIS, with the new ArcGIS Utility Network Management framework.   To learn more about ArcGIS Utility Network Management, check out this blog. And be sure to check out the up coming tech sessions at Esri’s Virtual User Conference. Planning & Engineering Communication Networks with GIS Network Operations & Maintenance of Communication Networks with GIS Feel free to comment and let us know your thoughts on what role the PNI will play in SDN.  Thanks, - Esri Telecom Team telecominfo@esri.com telug‌ ... View more