CASE STUDY

Giving Military Network Upgrades “the Edge” With MaxCell^® Edge

How do you accomplish network upgrades without digging and installing new conduits? Fiber optic cables form the backbone of today’s military communications networks, delivering high-quality communication and data transmission. Because fiber networks provide robust and reliable connections and speed, they are crucial in delivering secure, uncompromised communications in military applications.

Objective: Seeking a Smooth Process for Challenging Network Upgrades

When working with a challenging installation, the military recognized that it was imperative to work with network construction specialists who would review the project specifications and provide them with the best solution. For a mission-critical military base that needed timely network upgrades to specific systems throughout their facility, the military turned to the team from MaxCell®. Having worked with MaxCell on numerous global projects, the military knew that the team understood the logistical challenges of base infrastructure and the pressures of completing complex projects and could help ensure the work would progress smoothly without unexpected delays.

Benefits of MaxCell Edge

Reduces material and labor costs by 50% or more
Delivers multiple pathways in a single conduit
Eliminates the need for new network construction
Installs 2X faster
Less expensive to transport or store
Provides cable sheath protection
Ability to place 300% more cables

Challenge: Time and Distance Limitations for Network Upgrades

Due to frost-line considerations on this project, the military had only a short window of approximately two months to successfully complete the installation. New conduits could not be added, so it was necessary to utilize existing conduits to meet the tight timeline.

There were 20 individual locations on the base that needed a dedicated fiber line, creating a direct, independent “home run” connection between the central office to each. On average, each of these locations was approximately one mile from the main hub, and the guidelines mandated that each cable run must use continuous fibers with no intermediate splices.

Solution: Optimization Through MaxCell Edge

To achieve the robust connectivity needed for this mission-critical installation, MaxCell recommended using the MaxCell Edge solution. The unique textile construction of MaxCell Edge allows it to conform to the shape of the cables placed within, increasing the cable density by 300% or more. This product provides a versatile solution for complex installation projects and allows for expanded capacity for the current project while preserving space for future bandwidth requirements. MaxCell Edge is unaffected by freezing temperatures down to -49°F (-45°C), which was another advantage to using the solution in this installation.

There was only one 4” pathway available. By utilizing five MaxCell Edge 1.75” by four-cell in one quarter inch conduit, installers were able to make 20 pathways. The cable run was not straight and often zigzagged or changed direction. The flexible fabric innerduct kept the cables separated and made it easier to install the rigid fiber cable at each location. Installers efficiently pulled the cable from maintenance hole to maintenance hole, allowing easy pathway creation. With it being lightweight and offering maximum flexibility, MaxCell Edge was the perfect tool for this challenging project.

Results: Accelerated Deployment With Capacity To Spare

MaxCell staff and installation engineers worked closely with the military for site surveys, adherence to specific requirements and guidelines, and to ensure product availability to meet the stringent timelines for the network upgrades. The quick availability and a typical two-to-three-week lead time for MaxCell solutions played a key role in optimizing the mandated timelines and meeting the project deadlines and goals. Because MaxCell Edge was designed for easier and faster installation, this allowed for a streamlined process, and the project was successfully completed within the specified time. Most importantly, after the new pathways were created using MaxCell Edge, the conduit was still only approximately 65% full, allowing space for future network requirements.

Maximizing the Efficiency of Your Assets

With the costs associated with new construction, maximizing cable capacity within an existing conduit is one of the most important aspects of a successful cable installation.