Telecom Transport Lab Build-Out
United States
Delivered in 2 Weeks
DWDM · MPLS · Microwave Transport
4 Platforms · 6 Racks Commissioned
Project Overview
One of the largest U.S. energy providers serving approximately 9 million customers engaged AES to upgrade its internal telecom transport lab. The facility validates new telecom equipment before production deployment — a critical quality gate for the client's network. The refresh integrated DWDM optical, MPLS routing, and microwave transmission platforms across six racks and had to be completed in two weeks to keep network rollouts on schedule.
The Challenge
The scope covered a full site audit, engineering drawings, complete installation and commissioning across six racks, and final as-built documentation. Speed was non-negotiable: future network rollouts depended on lab availability, and any delay would cascade downstream.
How AES Executed
- 1
Phase 1 - Site Survey: AES dispatched a senior engineer for a five-day on-site survey, mapping all existing racks, fiber cables, DC power feeds, and grounding layouts, cross-referenced against the client's design standards.
- 2
Phase 2 - Engineering Documentation: AES produced detailed installation drawings covering rack positions, cable duct routes, DC power feeds, and grounding layouts. A granular cost model covered every task from procurement to acceptance testing, with a one-day contingency buffer built into the schedule.
- 3
Phase 3 - Installation: A two-person team commissioned a Ciena 6500 T-Series, Ciena 6500 S-Series, Ciena 6500 Seven-Slot Chassis, Nokia 7250 IXR-R6DL Router, Adtran TA5000 Access Platform, and six two-post telecom racks with cable tray, fiber duct, and grounding. All cabling was dressed and labelled; functional tests confirmed every platform powered up and communicated over the lab network.
- 4
Phase 4 - Handover: Final as-built documentation captured rack layout, cable routing, grounding scheme, and serial numbers. Acceptance-test reports were archived by the client's telecom engineering group as the baseline for future changes.
Outcome
The transport lab upgrade was completed within two weeks, keeping the client's rollout program on schedule. Six racks, DWDM and MPLS platforms, fiber ducting, and grounding improvements were delivered with full cost transparency. The project is now a referenceable template for future telecom lab build-outs.
Lessons Learned
Conduct a thorough site survey first
Documenting the existing environment before design work begins reduces rework and ensures installation drawings are accurate from day one.
Break scope into discrete tasks
A granular cost and task breakdown provides clarity on resource and time requirements, making the project easier to manage and audit.
Build in contingency
A schedule and cost buffer absorbs unexpected delays without affecting the delivery date.
Deliver comprehensive as-built documentation
Final drawings, cable labels, and equipment lists prove invaluable for operations staff and serve as the baseline for future changes.
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