OSP Engineering and Design

The more we learn about OSP engineering, the more impressive fiber optic design becomes.

When we live and breathe the pole attachments process, it’s easy to compartmentalize to the point where we forget the steps that come before and after it.

So let's take a step back and consider what OSP design is, what it demands, and software for OSP engineering projects.

OSP Design Projects

OSP is short for outside plant and refers to the physical infrastructure used to install, maintain, and manage telecom networks.

Communications providers and their vendors have to take significant steps within the OSP design process before they can submit attachment requests.

Software for OSP projects can vary: GIS (Geographic Information System) tools like ArcGIS provide large maps and spatial queries. Fiber tools like VETRO focus on fiber management and network maps. On the other hand, Katapult Pro covers the pole attachments process as a whole.

The pole attachments process works to ensure that all fiber attachments are built safely and in accordance with distribution standards. Within the context of OSP, Katapult Pro assists with route determination, walkouts, and attachment application submissions.

Route Determination

When determining the best route, two big considerations include time and money (though those might be the same thing). There are situations where more expensive make ready costs can still lead to your fiber being built faster.

There's also the question of how to optimize pole attachment applications with required permits to get the most important segments built first.

When trying to determine the best route, Katapult Pro lets users design multiple potential options for their fiber path.

Designers can use aerial imagery and street view to avoid particularly congested poles or complicated permit situations like railroad crossings.

Once design is complete, field crews can use Katapult Pro equipment and workflows to capture pole data for each route. Designers can use the field data to measure all (or selected poles) and assess approximate make ready costs. Make ready heat maps visualize expensive make ready areas so teams can choose an optimal route.

Walkout

As a flexible, real-time mapping tool, Katapult Pro can be used on both desktop and mobile. As teams transition from hand-drawn maps to software, Katapult Pro BEAD walkout tools can help address the specific needs in last-mile walkouts.

• The first design pass can be done from a desktop using aerial imagery.

• Job packages can be shared with subcontractors with the click of a button.

• A single field technician can verify and update the design from a vehicle or on foot, depending on the scope of data needed.

• New designs can be created from a desktop, or a mobile device in the field.

• Reporting can be done across multiple jobs or regions.

While Katapult Pro now features walkout tools, there are other great mapping and design software solutions for walkouts. As long as you can export locations via CSV or KMZ, your team and vendors can import that data to Katapult Pro for measurements, permits, and make ready engineering.

Pole Attachment Application Submissions

The pole attachment application process varies by pole owner, with some requiring as little as the pole locations you plan to attach to or as much as full make ready and pole loading analysis.

When it comes to OSP engineering and design for attachment requests, Katapult Pro provides configurable models, tools, and deliverables based on your project needs and markets. As a result, teams can deliver a wide range of services while using the same (or similar) field/office workflows.

Custom Exports

In addition to standard map, photo, and spreadsheet deliverables, we also include custom coding packages as a part of our onboarding process. Our Katapult Pro Custom Services team helps automate customer-specific outputs, such as profile sheets, make ready notifications, maps, and more!

*While optimal for overhead deployment, Katapult Pro has some great tools for underground design. Shoot us an email if your project requires a lot of underground OSP design, and we’ll get you in touch with a team (or several) who utilize underground for broadband deployment on a more regular basis.

Thanks for reading! If you’re looking to grow your OSP design and permitting teams, we’re here to help. Contact us at hello@katapultengineering.com to get started!