In contrast to a traditional field-built approach to network deployment, most of the work in a Factory Built Network (FBN) ® process occurs in a central facility, or “factory.” This difference allows for more of a production process, from inventory management to high volume integration, enables the use of experts for each step of the process, and the resolution of part problems before the networks leave the factory.
In the intelligent FBN process, all network components are shipped to a Network Factory initially, organized in an orderly manner and managed efficiently by logistics experts. In a clean “factory” setting, the LightRiver can lay out all network components and construct the networks in the most efficient manner possible, bringing in highly experienced specialists as needed for each step of the process, using the most appropriate tools.
Integration, commissioning, custom tuning and testing of subsystems can be completed by the most appropriate expert for the specific type of equipment, software or network, and the performance of that network can be characterized and recorded. If a system design question arises, an in-house network design engineer can be readily consulted. Failed parts are identified and replaced early in the process, and shipped to the LightRiver facility – eliminating the traditional need for extended stays at customer sites, extra trips to remote locations or increased expense for customer escorts.
Field Installation can proceed efficiently as a multivendor, multidomain network has been prebuilt, pre-commissioned and pretested, and shipped complete to a given site.