Engineering & Consulting Services Guide

Engineering & Consulting Services Guide • Outside Plant • Fiber to the Home • Engineering Field Services • Central Office Switching Services • 5-Year Broadband Evolution Plans • Network Assessments

© CHR Solutions. All Rights Reserved. ● v15.1

© CHR Solutions. All Rights Reserved. ● Page 2 ● v15.1

Table of Contents Telecommunications Consulting & Engineering ........................................................................................ 3 Broadband Evolution Planning & ETC Filing ............................................................................................... 5 Network Assessment ................................................................................................................................... 8 Outside Plant Engineering & Project Services ......................................................................................... 10 Fiber to the Home & Business ................................................................................................................. 13 GIS/CAD Services ...................................................................................................................................... 16 Cable/MSO Services ................................................................................................................................. 17 IP Networks – Engineering & Implementation ........................................................................................ 18 Voice Switching & Migration Services ...................................................................................................... 20 Grounding Audit ........................................................................................................................................ 23 Expert Testimony ....................................................................................................................................... 24 Market Analysis & Service Feasibility Studies ......................................................................................... 25 Technology Assistance with Loan & Grant Applications ......................................................................... 27 Wireless Engineering & Project Services ................................................................................................. 29 On Demand Engineering Support ............................................................................................................ 30 Equipment Recommendation and Procurement .................................................................................... 31 Additional CHR Offerings .......................................................................................................................... 32


Telecommunications Consulting & Engineering Are you looking for a company that will provide you with more than just a short-term solution? CHR collaborates with our clients to provide long-term solutions and will partner with you every step of the way. With over 60 years of industry experience, CHR is ideally positioned to help you with all of your network design and implementation needs. We offer you development and implementation of end-to-end solutions to ensure your success. Our engineers and consultants have the technical knowledge and, industry expertise to help you minimize risk, manage technology implementation and determine the most cost effective approach.

Knowledge and expertise with “Emerging Technologies” is our business. Our experienced engineering staff explores with your team how applying emerging technologies can help replace revenues eroding under pressure from competition and line loss. CHR understands that traditional telecommunications goes beyond simply providing Voice, Data and Video Services.

Whether you are building for the future or implementing new services, with CHR you benefit from our expertise and careful planning. CHR can help you deliver broadband services through the “Planning”, “Design” and “Implementation” of fiber and other network initiatives that will allow you to gain new customers and add additional revenue through a variety of broadband applications.

With experienced insight, we help match your existing infrastructure investment with emerging technologies such as Video, Home Monitoring/Control and Personal Health Care that can add value to your local offering. Through Market Analysis and Feasibility studies we can help you identify additional revenue streams that provide a competitive selection of services to your subscribers.

Our engineers, consultants, and network architects have extensive experience developing comprehensive Broadband Evolution and Network Plans. CHR will work with you to create a successful business and technical plan to determine the best solution.

At CHR, our experience is your advantage.


Professional Engineering, Field Services & Technology Expertise CHR is experienced in applying emerging technologies to replace revenues that are eroding under pressure from competition. Our engineers are continually researching new and emerging technologies to ensure our clients have the information required to make informed decisions. We complete comprehensive technology assessments and make recommendations based on study results, your operational budget and recommended network design. CHR will help you leverage and improve your existing infrastructure to support new services and sources of revenue.

Professional Engineering and Field Services • Comprehensive Network Assessments • Network Planning & Design • PE certifications in most states • Equipment Installation and Integration • Plans & Specifications Preparation • Complete Project Management • Full suite of IP Network Services • Market Analysis and service feasibility

studies

• Grounding Audits

• Outside Plant Engineering • Broadband Evolution Plans & ETC Filing

(FCC form 481) • In-Home Wiring and ONT replacements • CAD/GIS Services • Field Service Engineering • RUS/Co-Bank Loans and Grant Applications • Wireless Engineering and Project

Implementation Services • Cable/MSO engineering services

FTTH/FTTB/FTTx • Active Ethernet • GPON and RFOG • Aerial and Buried • Splitter Placement • Service Integration • Copper migration and Feasibility study

• Product Recommendations • OSP Layout & Design • OSP Staking Services • OSP Inspection Services • Residential & Commercial (including multi-

dwelling) design & deployment

Voice • Carrier Grade Softswitch Migration • Voice over IP (VoIP) • GR303 Network Architecture

• Voice Messaging • Interoperability Testing • Translations

Data • TDM to IP Migration • Network Design & Implementation • Certified Engineers • Equipment Installation

• Network Integration • Equipment Provisioning • IPv6 planning • MPLS, VPLS and VLANs


Broadband Evolution Planning & ETC Filing A Service Provider’s infrastructure and systems must have the flexibility and agility to support future subscriber needs and planned services. CHR’s Broadband Evolution and Network Planning Service provides a one-of-a-kind managed service to help service providers take the risk out of broadband network planning. Our engineering experts spend time with your team building a five-year technical plan, resulting in a written document outlining a proactive strategy for network design, procurement and maintenance of equipment, a schedule for amending the plan over time and a list of solutions capable of kick-starting and supporting the five-year plan. In addition, CHR works with our partners to offer a comprehensive (Engineering & Financial) FCC Form 481 annual report filing service based on the Broadband Evolution Plan, mandatory for ETCs (Eligible Telecommunication Carriers) that receive high-cost support from the government.

Approach The CHR Network Planning team has decades of experience with TDM and next-generation switching, Optical (SONET and DWDM) Transport, IP networking, and Outside Plant access equipment, coupled with Service Provider operations management experience. CHR puts this knowledge to work conducting granular comparisons of the network “as is” to the vision of the future network, which we can validate via end-to-end testing in the CHR InterOp Lab in Lubbock, TX. This level of expertise is critical to organizations striving to choose the right path for future services.

Using a services first approach, CHR defines which network elements, systems, processes and data models are necessary to fulfill future service needs. In this deep-dive phase, CHR team considers all aspects of infrastructure and BSS/OSS on an exchange-by-exchange basis, including:

• IT back office billing, operational and monitoring systems • IP Networking • Inter-carrier Exchange Networks • Regulatory Compliance: CALEA, Red Flag, CPNI • PSTN Networks and the migration to an all IP Network • Voice Switching (TDM and VoIP) and Transport Systems • Access Networks: Fiber-to-the-Home, Fiber-in-the-Loop, Hybrid Fiber • Wireless as a complementary service or to extend reach

Analysis Proactive analysis of all components of the inter/intra-service provider environment helps to reduce surprises and the costs associated with them, resulting in:


• Efficient maintenance operations • Eliminating unexpected budget spikes • Improved management of customer expenditure dollars • Predictions of future capital requirements for better budget planning • Anticipation of emergency situations that could potentially impact customer experience

Support Once the five-year plan is in place, CHR’s Network Planning Service team works to establish a schedule for revalidating assumptions according to scheduled events, such as annual planning meetings, or changes in business or market goals.

Our Broadband Evolution Planning includes:

Broadband Baseline and Bandwidth Planning CHR, in conjunction with the client company, determines the broadband baseline capabilities for all exchanges and develops a “bandwidth timeline” based on minimum bandwidth requirements for towns, rural and special case areas over a 5-year time period. Bandwidth predictions, both upstream and downstream, are based on services such as tiers of broadband, Over the Top applications, IPTV, Smart Home or other services in your product portfolio.

Broadband Maps – Speed/Availability and the National Broadband Map State and National Broadband map tools are used to search, analyze and map broadband availability across regions and the United States. The maps typically indicate where subscribers are located and which services you can be offered based on available bandwidth.

Broadband Strategic Plan The Broadband Evolution Plan provides you with a clear strategy for going from where you are today to where you want to be in the future. When desired, a market feasibility study can be performed to validate broadband service offerings.

The Broadband Evolution Plan may consider the following technologies to deliver broadband depending on the bandwidth desired, risk sensitivity, customer demand, density, topology and cost per subscriber:

• Wi-Fi • Wi-Max • 4G LTE • EPON/GPON • Active Ethernet • Bonded/Vector xDSL


Extending the Life of Copper Looming changes and uncertainty in funding mechanisms, along with FCC requirements for broadband service levels, have renewed an emphasis to maintain existing copper plant and still meet increasing demand for bandwidth. Whether you are looking to provide download speeds of 100 Mbps or more to the home, or struggling to extend copper xDSL services on longer loops to meet FCC requirements, CHR can design a system to meet your particular needs. Bonding DSL lines and upgrading copper-based access platforms from ATM to Ethernet can provide significant network efficiencies and deliver the bandwidth subscribers want in addition to reducing your operating costs.

ETC Filing (FCC form 481) CHR leverages our regulatory partners to handle all aspects of your initial ETC filing or annual progress report to the FCC. We can also customize this service to your individual requirements by performing just the engineering. Let us know what you need.

Financial Pro Forma In conjunction with our financial partners, CHR will prepare a detailed summary and financial pro forma of the total cost to deliver services over a pre-defined time period. The information will support and validate how expenditures should be allocated and determine expected revenue and margins. A work plan will be created to note exchanges, electronic sites, outside plant and bandwidth back haul to create a complete view of anticipated capital expenditures. The plan can be revisited yearly as projects are re-evaluated depending on operational costs and subscriber demands.

CHR’s final broadband plan document is a strategic planning tool used to define the services you want while managing the cost to deliver those services.


Network Assessment An outage situation is not the time to uncover issues with your network design, implementation, documentation or back-up or support process. Assessments can help shed light on risk areas and providing objective feedback to help smooth transitions between different areas of the network, owners and managers. Audits can also indicate where organizational policies or procedures may need additional review or validation.

CHR’s Network Assessment provides a third party objective review of your organization’s data, voice, video and wireless environments. We explore every aspect of your Network as a necessary component of maintaining a healthy network infrastructure. CHR provides an equipment and design assessment for all areas of the network; layer 3 IP core and Internet peering, Access (DSL, GPON, Active Ethernet), TDM and Optical transport (DWDM and SONET), IT, Wireless and Voice. The network assessment includes an inventory of the equipment (hardware and software) for the areas of the network examined, indicating what items are up-to-date or obsolete and should be upgraded or replaced. We also update your network diagrams to reflect the current layout of the network. A comprehensive evaluation of the overall Network Architecture is performed to ensure use of the latest design methodologies. Device configurations are also reviewed to validate design criteria has been met.

After the Network Assessment is complete, you will receive a report and presentation that includes recommendations to address potential design, operational and performance gaps along with suggested cost avoidance measures.

The OSI Model Layer 1: Quality physical layer auditing provides reliable reference documentation so your support organization has a complete understanding of your existing equipment and its current location. The assessment at this layer includes an evaluation of the CO environments, grounding and physical connectivity.

Layers 2: Whether you are planning an upgrade, expansion or consolidation, knowing what is deployed now, as well as what is over the horizon and representing it in concise and digestible documentation is essential. From basic access and transport analysis of DSL and Optical implementations to more advanced Ethernet private line solutions, CHR provides a comprehensive evaluation of how this layer is implemented in your network.

Layer 3: An architecture and design evaluation of the layer 3 core, Internet peering and IT networks can help determine how ready your network is for new services and how it would hold up to device (routers & switches) and link failures. All service providers are concerned with network security, and


how current and future IP addressing plans can help consolidate and optimize address usage. An optimized layer 3 is becoming essential to a healthy and robust network as the world continues the migration to IP. Assessing the current state of your network design, along with an equipment and vendor evaluation, CHR can help you at all stages.

Layers 4 through 7: Applications and their impact on your network need periodic review so their behavior within the network can be understood and secured. Services including database optimization, dimensioning network bandwidth and QoS (Quality of Service) parameters, and securing mission-critical servers from unnecessary traffic, will help demystify how the mixture of applications and network interact.

Summary of Benefits Network Assessment Services from CHR are comprehensive yet flexible and can adapt to your budget, staffing and business needs. From an informal walkthrough to a complete network makeover, CHR can help you get a handle on your network.


Outside Plant Engineering & Project Services CHR provides comprehensive, turnkey Outside Plant (OSP) engineering services to take your project from inception to completion for every phase of an OSP project. From Fiber to the Home (FTTH) and Fiber to the Node (FTTN) projects, CHR can lead you through a step by step process, from initial planning, engineering design, construction implementation management, turn-up, testing and final acceptance. With over 50 years of industry experience, our OSP Engineering team has implemented hundreds of networks across the country.

From start to finish, CHR is dedicated and determined to deliver a seamless, digital “paperless” OSP engineering process to deliver a more efficient implementation project. Whether you are seeking an engineering engagement for small project assistance, or a large turn-key engineering project, CHR is dedicated to your success by delivery of OSP engineering services accurately, timely and in a cost effective manner.

Outside Plant Design • FTTH Active Ethernet Designs – P2P • FTTP PON Designs (GPON/NGPON) – P2MP • FTTN (CSA xDSL)Designs • Centralized or Distributed Fiber Network Architectures • Detailed Cost Analysis Between Design Alternatives • Detailed Buried, Underground & Aerial Infrastructure Designs • Digitized “Paperless” Design Process, Utilizing GIS Land Base, GIS/GPS Tools


Utilization of CHR’s “OSP Design Standards” is employed to document Client specific detailed design standards criteria in order to ensure design and cost decisions are followed from the initial design through implementation phases

Field Staking Services • CHR Engineers are familiar and proficient with several third party digital staking solutions • Detailed Buried, Underground and Aerial Staking and Cable Mapping • Use of USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS), CHR and/or Service Provider Recommended

Construction Specifications, and Standards • Digitized “Paperless” Field Staking Services used with the Development of GIS Land Base

and GPS Assisted Field Staking Systems

Public Right of Way (ROW) Acquisition & Environmental Analysis • State ROW Permitting • County ROW Permitting • Railroad ROW Permitting • Public Permitting Management (through Construction to Completion) • Cultural Resources Study and Approval • Natural Resource Management and Approval • Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP)

OSP Contract/Plans & Specifications • RUS 515 and/or CHR 515 OSP Contracts • Detailed Construction Plans & Specifications • Contract Administration and Management Services • Detailed Standards References (RUS, NEC, NESC, Federal, State and Local) • Detailed Construction Guide Drawings, Fiber Assignment Schematics, Construction Sheets • Management of the Competitive Bid Process, Bid Analysis & Recommendation After Bid Award

Construction and Site Management • Experienced Project Management, Resident Project Managers and Inspectors with Extensive

Construction Knowledge and Experience • Standardized Internal Construction Management and Documentation Procedures, Processes

Followed Throughout the Implementation Phase • Detailed, Software Based Construction Unit “As-Built” Inventory Process and Digitized As-Built

Maps • Dedicated Contract Administration Staff Assigned to a Project Throughout the

Implementation Project – Monthly Invoice Reconciliation, Contract Budget Tracking • Final As-Built Inventory, Reconciliation and Contract Closeout Services


Final Acceptance Testing • Fiber Cable

o Continuity Testing – Verification of Fiber Assignments, continuity by Light Source/Power Meter

o OTDR Test Results review/analysis from Contractor • Copper Cable – “Megger” Testing, Continuity, pair assignment verification • Cable location – Ability to conduct “Spot Checks” as requested, for random verification of

cable depth for Adherence to Contract Specifications

If you need assistance with Planning, Consulting, Design or Implementation of an OSP project, CHR has the expertise available to see your project through to completion. CHR evaluates your existing plant and makes recommendations on the latest technology. We will stake the entire project area and create detailed plans and specifications using state of the art computer technology and graphics. CHR will work with you to secure the rights-of-way and verify the easement requirements for the entire project.

CHR will manage the bid process by evaluating the bids, checking the references and performance bonds of the responders, and providing recommendations for the acceptance of the bid. CHR will ensure all the contractor’s materials meet requirements before installation begins and will verify that all fiber and copper cables meet the project specifications before installation. CHR will assign a “Resident Inspector” on the job site for the duration of the project to make sure the job is built to specification; if any changes are needed, they can be done quickly and accurately “on site.”

CHR will thoroughly review the contractor’s detailed copper and fiber testing results and perform our own complete acceptance testing. We will complete the final inspection at every location to ensure the project equipment is professionally and correctly installed.


Fiber to the Home & Business Implementation of the right FTTx architecture ensures you will have enough bandwidth for your residential and business customers in the future, eliminating the need to rebuild your distribution network. Solutions range from Passive Optical Networks (PONs), Active Ethernet and Metro Ethernet networks, to a hybrid network, in order to support 100Mbps, 1Gbps or higher bandwidth needs. To support your FTTx and Metro-Ethernet networks, CHR can also assist with expanding your transport network or augmenting your legacy transport system with Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) to leverage your existing fiber that may have exhausted the fiber count.

Fiber to the Premise (Home and Business) More than 1,000 communities in North America currently enjoy FTTx deployments as their service infrastructure. Although this number represents only a small fraction of the homes and businesses in the U.S., clear lessons have emerged as critical factors leading to the success or failure of these deployments. CHR can help our Communication Service Provider (CSP) clients understand these deployment techniques.

CHR engineers are experts in deploying FTTx, including Active Ethernet and Passive Optical Network (PON) designs, and outside plant construction implementation. In planning and designing a successful Fiber-to-the-Business (FTTB) or Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) deployment, integration success depends on the quality of the engineering process. CHR begins with a thorough understanding of the client’s requirements and an assessment of the project scope to identify critical information necessary for high-quality engineering results.

The CHR design team is recognized as industry experts in providing engineering services. With extensive experience in design and detail engineering for OSP and FTTx networks, CHR produces world-class optical fiber connectivity, engineering plans, and documentation for successful deployments.

Our service provider clients benefit from CHR’s FTTx and OSP network knowledge, and the understanding of multiple FTTx active and passive component vendors’ equipment. CHR engineers collaborate with clients to outline the project scope and design requirements, resulting in a comprehensive integrated solution that reduces risks and delivers exceptional results.

As new technologies emerge, CHR assists your company in reviewing alternatives and selecting a solution that is right for you.

Design Engineering A properly designed and managed fiber implementation with correctly sized fiber could mean the difference between 30% and 80% efficiency. CHR FTTx design engineering services provide practical


designs for FTTx networks and infrastructure featuring multi-vendor, multi-technology solutions. With extensive FTTx, OSP and Central Office experience, CHR delivers superior engineering designs.

CHR Design Engineers provide:

• FTTx Design Assumptions • FTTx Migration Development • Plans for FTTx Network Growth • FTTx Capacity Planning Designs • Fiber Efficiency • CO Infrastructure Designs • Outside Plant and Passive Optical Network Design • Inside Plant Fiber Distribution Frame Planning for FTTx • RFP Management for Electronics Vendor Selection

Detail Engineering Detail engineering is vital to successful FTTx deployments. CHR’s experienced detail engineers are trained to develop comprehensive and accurate bills of material (BOM), drawings for customer records, and specifications for installation teams. Installers arrive on-site and armed with these materials to ensure successful project completion. CHR Detail Engineers deliver:

• Site Surveys • Bill of Material • Installation Specifications • Floor Plans and Equipment Drawings • Assignment Records and Database Updates • Firm Price Quotes Based on a Detailed Scope of Work

FTTx and OSP Design The CHR Engineering Design Team will conduct a detailed analysis of the existing network and create a cost effective design based on requirements and future needs with consideration for all network components, including Outside Plant and Central Office Facilities for FTTx applications and services. Alternate plans will also be studied and cost analysis performed to determine the most prudent course of action.

The OSP Design group is involved with fiber-optic cable systems in FTTx (Active Ethernet and PON) designs for direct buried, aerial and duct bank installation. Services include:

• OSP Review for Optimum Utilization of Existing Infrastructure Plant • Area Coverage Survey (ACS) Maps Detailing the Location of all service locations (residential,

business, future growth), potential Fiber Distribution Cabinets, Access Terminals • Outside Plant Designs for Centralized and Distributed fiber distribution Models • Cable Schematics with Cabinet Placement and Access Terminal Designs


• Mapping and Design for Primary Feeder and Secondary Distribution Cable Plant • Project Management • Test Inspections to Verify Compliance with FTTx PON Specifications and Architectural Design

Components

Field Verification The CHR Engineering Design Team can conduct an Area Coverage Survey (ACS) to locate existing establishments and potential growth areas on existing and new Map/Plat systems. Field Verifications of existing plant and subscribers for new FTTx systems can also be performed.

Staking and Permitting CHR Engineering Design Team provides clients exact Construction Drawings for Aerial, Buried and Underground facilities, compliant with National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and local building and electrical requirements. Based upon the FTTx Design, the CHR Engineering Design Team performs permitting for all state, local and federal authorities.

Construction Monitoring/Quality Control The CHR Engineering Design Team provides construction coordination, planning and monitoring of progress. Construction Inspection can be provided for assurance of construction quality. Post Construction services includes acceptance testing of all cables, cabinets, and access points, along with an inventory of facilities placed to verify contractor billing and assure accurate property records. Acceptance testing includes certification of all plant and hardware associated with the FTTx design.


GIS/CAD Services Accurate and up-to-date mapping is crucial to nearly every element of your business. Everything from network maintenance, emergency response, budget forecasting and company valuation require these records be accurate in order to keep your company on course. In fact, the FCC is in the final stages of implementing new requirements for filing broadband maps with them.

Relying on single point dependencies and perishable paper records create vulnerabilities for your customer, community and company. CHR’ GIS/CAD Services take the guess work out of geospatial management and ensure your business is on the right path.

No matter what format or condition your maps are currently in, from paper to one of the newer electronic formats, CHR’s GIS/CAD team can update them into the latest standard format and make sure they match your plant. We also include offer an option for turnkey solution management of all plant and operational CAD records in our cloud based systems. Our technical resources, proven processes and systems assure business continuity, improve operational efficiencies and reduce reporting errors through real-time geo-referenced intelligence.

CHR provides the following GIS/CAD Services:

• Aerial Imagery and GPS • Data Files Hosted on CHR Servers • Data Imports (FEMA, Soils, DFW, FCC) • Report, Query and Analysis Capabilities • Facilities Management System Integration • Data Exports to “One-Call-Dig-Tess” & Google Earth • Data Extraction and Normalization from Paper to CAD • Graphical Object Assignment (Routes, Pedestals, CSA#) • Ongoing System Updates and Support of Geographical Data • Advisory Support and Recommendation for Network Improvements • Land-Base and Coordinate Creation (Lat/Lon, Roads, Hydrology, Landmarks, ROW) • Linking of Billing system to CAD maps • Creation of maps for Marketing • ESRI, AutoCAD and MapInfo product support • AutoCAD training (Intermediate to Advanced) • Innovative Elations CAD support • AutoDesk Design Review support • Geocoding of customer addresses • OASIS FM support

Managed GIS/CAD In addition to performing the above mentioned GIS/CAD services on an as-needed basis, CHR offers a fully managed GIS/CAD service for those that prefer this be handled in a turnkey fashion in order to maintain and keep all their mapping records up-to-date without fulltime staffing towards that effort.


Cable/MSO Services When it comes to Cable Networks, planning is paramount and key to establishing a reliable high speed IP network over a DOCSIS based CATV (Community Access TeleVision) HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax) plant. Maintaining profitability while meeting investor expectations and subscriber expectations with changing market dynamics can be difficult. CHR Solutions has the knowledge and resources to extend the life of a service provider’s cable assets. In addition to helping our MSO clients meet increased service and bandwidth demands to address competition and ensure cable asset longevity, we can help evaluate next generation product offerings to support new services and revenue streams.

Cable MSO Services • DOCSIS 3.0 Upgrades for increased bandwidth and functionality • CMTS (Integrated and Modular), Converged Cable Access platforms, RF Gateways and

Switches – Product evaluation and procurement • Planning, Design and Implementation • Service feasibility studies

CHR offers solutions to many modern challenges Cable/MSOs are facing. Next Generation applications and devices continue to converge to IP, but increasing bandwidth is not enough. The demand for services such as; IP Voice, IPTV, VOD, and advanced business services such as transparent LANs and MPLS implementations continue to grow, reinforcing the fact that offering these next generation services is necessary to stay competitive in this changing market. CHR can work with you to analyze the network in order to determine how to deploy these services or to isolate problems and identify potential improvements to the current design, configuration, hardware, software, head end and HFC components.


IP Networks – Engineering & Implementation Your IP network is not just transporting Internet traffic anymore; it is now transporting most, if not all, of your service offerings. Today’s IP networks move data, telephony, video, cellular backhaul and anything else that will fit in a packet. All these services are critical for keeping your customers satisfied, and with your IP network being the foundation to your organization’s services, CHR understands how important it is to understand and manage the flow of every service from the first mile access through to the network core and beyond.

IP Implementation Whether you are looking at a new router installation to increase performance or capacity, an upgrade to a Next Generation Network, or simply wish to optimize your current architecture, best practices exist to smoothly implement those changes. Success starts with high quality documentation. Complete and detailed physical and logical maps of your network allow you and your support staff to clearly visualize the flow of information. From this documentation, a comprehensive Method of Procedure (MOP) is assembled. This MOP lists all the devices involved and outlines steps to implement planned changes, along with how to gracefully back out if problems arise. Once changes have been successfully completed, the painstaking task of updating documentation must take place to ensure the next round of changes succeeds as well. CHR can architect and integrate all of your networking elements, allowing seamless service delivery from the many components, services, vendors and challenges that make up your network.

Network Architecture CHR Engineers have assisted clients with Network Engineering and Implementation projects for years, leveraging the experience and insight of our highly skilled staff holding some of the top networking certifications in the world. As demands for internet peering bandwidth and reliability increase, we can support your success by developing Network Designs that incorporate the latest best practices while taking into consideration newer, high performance, high capacity networking equipment. Network Designs are created with an eye towards optimizing the current network in addition to examining upgrade options to newer equipment where appropriate. CHR evaluates your current and future network requirements to develop and the right network design and equipment recommendations.


Data Network and Communications Services Technology has inundated every aspect of our lives, removing geographical boundaries and distance limitations in medical, educational and business networks through the use of interactive video and Internet applications. Significant increases in Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) applications and explosive growth in Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Application Service Providers (ASPs) is evident. This demand for data bandwidth is driving service providers to provide higher bandwidth solutions. CHR has the vision to help you meet the data communication needs of tomorrow.


Voice Switching & Migration Services Do you wonder about compatibility with new voice switching technologies? Switching changes are complex and even the best implementation of the wrong technology platform can waste both time and money. CHR can help you determine the best switching solutions and implement them the right way to deliver the highest value and best solution for you and your subscribers. We take into consideration maintenance, upgrades, migrations, settlement impacts and other operational costs.

CHR utilizes our engineering and project management services to provide full turnkey assistance on voice switching projects. We have acquired expertise and proven our ability by implementing emerging voice technologies for both RUS-funded and non-RUS-funded projects. With more than 500 new voice switching systems placed into service since 1978, CHR is the best source for detailed plans and specifications, built-in contract protection and project management for your Next Generation switch.

Implementation CHR has expertise with all types of switching equipment, including legacy TDM and new softswitch platforms such as the Genband C15, Metaswitch, and Taqua 7000. CHR has extensive experience integrating voice services with optical transport, DSL, DACS, channel banks, loop extension and main distribution frame equipment. We understand how your entire network fits together and we are leaders in new technology implementation. Service providers turn to us for a wide variety of broadband switching migration projects, including DSL and DSLAM integration, softswitch migrations (Voice [Media] Gateway Controller) and Voice (Media) Gateway as well as Digital Loop Carrier (DLC) products. Our engineers work closely with manufacturers to ensure their solutions, no matter what the protocol, fit your needs perfectly (e.g. SS7, GR303, H323, SIP, SGCP, IPDC, MGCP and Megaco [H.248]).


Technical Assistance and Switch Migration Provisioning of the Next Generation switch is done based on the engineering and your company’s requirements. CHR can also assist in training your staff on switch translations and provisioning during the migration process. CHR verifies that the specifications for the switching system have been followed by the manufacturer and we perform full RUS acceptance testing where required. CHR staff assists with interoperability testing between the legacy switch and the Next Generation softswitch for Cap & Grow situations, so any feature or software incompatibilities can be identified and corrected. CHR offers full softswitch migration, translations and cutover assistance to make sure that all lines and trunks are properly provisioned and that all outside (e.g., Class 4 tandem) entities have their routes and trunks defined and tested in preparation for the cutover to the Next Generation switch. Our dedication and experience, combined with our renowned project management allow us to provide complete turnkey migration services to ensure the overall success of the project.

Value and Service Quality Once CHR and your company determine the best technology platforms and implementation strategies, we create detailed plans and specifications and send them to quality vendors. Because we specify performance-based requirements in a Request for Proposal, you can be assured that your selected vendor’s proposal represents the equipment and services that provide the exact solution you require. After more than 60 years in the business, we have developed strong working relationships with equipment vendors and have an outstanding track record of success with our clients.

Switch Vendor Experience Performing hundreds of major switch upgrades/extensions and implementations in the legacy and Next Generation environments, CHR staff members are proficient in switching technologies. Switch vendor experience includes Nortel DMS-10 and DMS-100, Siemens EWSD, Lucent 5ESS, Tekelec (Santera/Taqua), as well as Genband, Taqua and MetaSwitch softswitches. Additional Next Generation switches will be added as time progresses. Switching Services include:

• Voice Network Architecture & Design • Softswitch Migration Services • Emerging Technology Planning and Implementation • SS7 Network Design • Translations • Voice (Media) Gateway and Controller • VoIP Networks • Transition/Acceptance Testing • Timeline and Project Management • Network Integration and Interoperability Testing • Performance-based Plans and Specifications • Mobile Wireless Switching


Switch Recording Services A review of switch recordings is integral for communications providers who may have recently installed a new switch or who are in the process of implementing one. With the advent of newer softswitch technologies, CHR has seen an increased need for these services. The accuracy of switch recordings directly impact subscriber billings and CABS revenues and if the switch is not recording usage correctly, those revenue streams can be severely impacted.

Switch File Analysis • Validation of key information, to confirm all fields required to bill accurately are in place.

Information validated includes: o Call Code/Structure Code or EMI Record ID o Call Direction o LRN Population o Trunk Group Population

• Comparison of softswitch recordings to legacy recordings to validate specific routing configurations, such as Direct Trunks to an IXC, is handled properly.

• Checks for duplication of call records to ensure multiple call types are not being output for same call.

• Discussion with third party vendor as necessary to aid in troubleshooting and resolving issues.

Samples of affected call records are provided back to you when switch translation changes are required to correct recording issues. A subsequent review of the recordings will occur after implementation of the change.

Switch Audit CHR Engineering staff can remotely connect to the switch to review switch translations and analyze parameters to verify proper configuration, like confirming recording is turned on for all trunk groups, etc. CHR can also assist in the creation and implementation of a complete test plan for all applicable call scenarios to ensure all necessary calls are being captured and are being recorded properly.


Grounding Audit Proper central office grounding and bonding provides the best protection against incoming surges that have the potential to disrupt service and damage expensive network equipment.

CHR technical experts will:

• Inspect central office locations for compliance with RUS’ 1751f-810 grounding bulletin • Perform an in-depth, onsite review of the existing grounding configuration and test the

ground field resistivity • Provide a detailed report, based upon RUS documentation, with recommendations for

correcting any violations noted during the ground audit • Reports include photos of the violations to clearly show corrective actions to be taken

Client staff are encouraged to participate during the visit so informal training can be provided in a real world environment.

In addition to performing the Ground Audit, CHR can help address any grounding issues by providing field technicians to assist with corrective actions, making CHR’s Grounding Audits a true turnkey service.


Expert Testimony Often time’s events happen that require assistance with arbitration or actual litigation. CHR has on staff experts in several fields who can offer expert testimony for depositions and on the witness stand if needed. Some areas where CHR has provided expert testimony:

• Contract performance • Contractor Issues • Industry and Technology • Equipment Performance

o Wireless o Wireline

• Project Management • Construction Practices

Experience CHR staff has many years of applied experience and technical expertise and are not just “professional expert witnesses” for hire.


Market Analysis & Service Feasibility Studies CHR consultants have extensive experience preparing Market Analysis and Feasibility Studies that also include a pro forma business plan (income statement, cash flow statement and balance sheet). The study considers the investment, revenue, regulatory, operations and expense issues that are typically encountered in planning major capital investments. Generally, our clients use the CHR study to help them make decisions and acquire financing for their project, whether it be for expansion into new markets or upgrading their network in existing markets to rollout new services.

Market Analysis CHR Engineering, in collaboration with our Financial partners, team up to provide the following components as part of a Market Analysis to help our clients determine the viability of expanding their communication services into a new market.

1. Competitive Presence Analysis – develop a high level overview of the market and provide a list of competitors.

2. Business Analysis - acquire business data and provide a market breakdown based on that data identifying businesses by size and type.

3. Preliminary Network Design– Network design and build analysis providing estimated network build-out costs. Map generated showing conceptual fiber layout with businesses along the route. Field visit to determine preferred fiber route based on construction corridor and maximum number of businesses passed.

4. Financial Case Study - Financial Analysis and Pro Forma based on acquired business data and mutually agreed upon assumptions.

New Services Feasibility Studies Network upgrades usually play into the decision of whether or not to offer new services such as; Video, VoIP, Home Monitoring/Control, Home Healthcare, “Smart Farm”, “Smart Oilfield”, and other business or residential services. CHR Engineering and our business partners can help determine what is needed and if it makes sense by analyzing the current state of the network, new technology requirements, and what it will take from a financial and technical perspective.


FTTx/DSL Feasibility Studies Feasibility Studies are a helpful tool in determining the feasibility of upgrading your current network. We give you the information to consider the investment, revenue, expense and financing issues you will encounter if you elect to move forward on an FTTx or DSL project. CHR has assisted many Service Providers upgrade and expand the capabilities of their network with the latest Active Ethernet, GPON and DSL bonding technologies. Whether it be a Fiber to the Premise (FTTP) deployment to reach more homes and businesses (FTTH/FTTB) or enhancing a DSL network, CHR can assist. FTTx/DSL Feasibility Study deliverables generally include a pro forma income statement, cash flow statement and balance sheet. Typically, our clients find they can use the financial statements produced in the feasibility study to acquire financing for the FTTx/DSL investment.

Project Funding CHR clients who request capital project financing from the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) may employ the services of CHR engineers to help develop a Loan Design for a Schedule F study. The Schedule F study incorporates a projected Operating Income Statement and Cost or Average Schedule settlement data to support the Schedule F study operating revenues.

Of the 100+ Loan Design Studies that CHR has completed for our clients, nearly all have been accepted by the RUS – a stellar record by any measure! In addition, we have assisted numerous clients with financing through CoBank and RTFC.


Technology Assistance with Loan & Grant Applications Since 1984, CHR consultants have prepared or overseen the preparation of nearly 150 loan applications on behalf of our clients, securing more than $1.0 billion dollars in loans and grants from the government and many lending institutions. Our engineers are highly experienced in all technology aspects needed to secure financing, Long Range System Planning and System Design and Cost Analysis.

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Options Usually, the easiest and most convenient way to finance an upgrade is via the use of general funds. However, general funds alone are usually not sufficient to allow for the complete implementation of these new “State of the Art” technologies. At this point the next question usually is “What other options do we have?” You have several options available:

1. Rural Utilities Service (RUS) - Traditional The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) makes loans to furnish and improve communications service in rural areas. Loans made or guaranteed by RUS will be made in conformance with the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. RUS provides borrowers specialized and technical accounting, engineering and other managerial assistance in the construction and operation of their facilities when necessary. The various types of RUS loans include RUS Hardship Loans, RUS Concurrent Loans and FFB Guaranteed Loans.

2. Rural Utilities Service – Broadband The Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program is designed to provide loans for funding, on a technology neutral basis, the costs of construction, improvement and acquisition of facilities and equipment to provide broadband services to eligible rural communities. The goal of the program is to ensure that rural consumers enjoy the same quality and range of communications services that are available in urban and suburban


communities. Whether you are trying to secure a Direct Cost-of-Money Loan, Private Loan Guarantee, or Direct 4 Percent Loan – CHR can help.

3. Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative The Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (RTFC) provides various types of short and long term financing to complete the necessary upgrading that you as a borrower may be looking for. Payment schedules and interest rates will vary based on the amount borrowed and longevity of the payback period.

4. Connect America Fund The FCC is planning to move forward with the solicitation of proposals for the deployment of high-speed broadband networks in unserved rural areas utilizing the Connect America Fund (CAF). In addition to price, a sound understanding of complex federal processes and procedures is needed to be successful. The FCC requires recipients to comply with existing and new rules to secure funding. CHR knows what is required and can help ensure your success.

5. Commercial Lenders Other lending institutions provide various short/long term loans. Qualifications and interest rates vary from one institute to another (Commercial Banks, Trust Companies, Mortgage Companies, Insurance Companies, and Institutional Investors).

Application Process CHR’s Engineering team can work with your organization and regulatory/financial partners to deliver the engineering, technology selection, budgets and project plans to complete an application for any of the above mentioned grant and/or loan programs. Our team has extensive experience working with federal organizations such as RUS and the FCC to successfully acquire grants and loans for rural carriers to fund Network Upgrades, BSS/OSS software and other network related projects. CHR can assist with these areas covering the major requirements generally outlined in the process:

• Executive Summary/Justification • Technical Feasibility • Census block maps • Project Schedule • Project Budget

Best Solution With over 75 years of experience, CHR can be an invaluable resource in assisting you with the engineering portions of your loan decision making, preparation and processing requirements.


Wireless Engineering & Project Services CHR Solutions’ wireless engineering team works with you to complete a comprehensive technology assessment that extends far beyond the basic technology issues. We make design recommendations based on your requirements in terms of time to market, features, budget and return on investment.

CHR Solutions optimizes your wireless operations: project planning and specifications, equipment negotiations and review of vendor proposals, complete project coordination, acceptance testing, on-site training and cutover assistance. Our project management services offer full turnkey assistance on wireless projects. We have extensive experience with Rural Development Utilities Program (RDUP) funded projects and can assist in securing funding for you from a variety of sources. You can feel confident that your project plans and specifications are tailored specifically to meet your business objectives. We look at the whole picture, not just technology, to design a complete plan that supports your business goals.

Wireless Engineering Services Include

• Complete Network and RF System Architecture, Design and Implementation • Capacity Planning and Forecasting • Feasibility Studies for New Systems and Expansion • Network Design and System Objectives • RF Coverage and Performance Models • 4G/LTE build-outs • Licensing and Frequency Coordination Support • Base Stations, DACS, Switch, Backhaul and Billing System Integration • Field Support Engineering Services • Microwave Radio Design (Licensed or Unlicensed) • Drive Test Management & Annual System Verification • Mobile Switching Office and Cell Site Power and Battery Systems • Data and Internet Access Systems • Long Range Planning Support • Spectrum Evaluation and Interference Management • Manage and Negotiate Contour Extensions • Construction Management Services • Transport/Backhaul and IP Design • Problem Isolation and Repair

Experience CHR wireless engineers and wireless project specialists have extensive experience preparing wireless designs, performing propagation studies, inspections, analyzing problems and managing wireless implementations. They have handled everything from community WiFi deployments to regional and nationwide wireless design and 4G/LTE build-outs. For 4G LTE, Cellular, PCS, Wireless Local Loop, MMDS, LMDS, Point to Point Microwave, Unlicensed Bands, Wireless Internet, Switching Centers (Voice and Data) and Broadband Wireless technologies – CHR is your one stop shop.


On Demand Engineering Support Have you ever wished for short term engineering support to help out with a new technology or for some temporary assistance on a project but can’t afford the costs associated with hiring a full time engineer with the requisite expertise? Or what about a few hours of “on-demand” remote engineering support? CHR has a full complement of consulting engineers on staff with extensive expertise in many technologies ready to handle almost these situations.

Pricing Our clients requested, and CHR has delivered, a simplified contract and pricing model to support this service. Everyone benefits from our simplified pricing and contract: a single hourly rate for most types of engineering support. With this On Demand Contract in place, we are just a phone call or email away and ready to provide the expertise you need. You are only charged for the hours you use, there is no “retainer” or minimum number of hours!

Coverage Some of the areas CHR’s multi-vendor certified engineers can provide on-demand support to handle scheduled upgrades, troubleshooting, configurations and issue escalations:

• IP routing & switching (Cisco, Brocade, Juniper, etc.) • Last mile access nodes and networks (DSLAMs, GPON, Active Ethernet, etc.) • Voice switches and systems (Metaswitch, Genband, DMS 10/100, EWSD, LU 5ESS, etc.) • Wireless (4G/LTE, WiFi, etc.) • Project management • Cable/DOCSIS CMTS, Cable modems and RF networks (Cisco, Arris, etc.)


Equipment Recommendation and Procurement CHR consultants are knowledgeable on many platforms and have cultivated relationships with key product vendors who supply routing, switching, access, transport, wireless and other equipment to the service provider market segment. We are your one stop shop for services AND products. Whether you just need an expert recommendation for the right gear, based on an expert analysis of your requirements, or a complete turnkey design, procurement and implementation, CHR delivers. Our team also maintains reseller arrangements with some of the top vendors in the industry, enabling us to source both new and pre-owned equipment, at significant discounts, to meet your network needs without breaking the bank.

Certifications CHR engineers maintain certifications with Cisco, Brocade, Calix, Adtran and other equipment platforms and technology and are always adding to the list.

Our expert staff can evaluate a variety of platforms to determine the best match for your network requirements, saving you the time, effort and expense of coordinating meetings with vendors and digging through mounds of product specifications and sales literature.


Additional CHR Offerings

Billing and Customer Relationship Management CHR’s billing and CRM solution, Omnia360™, is a complete 'out-of-the-box', pre-integrated customer relationship management and billing solution. Available as a fully-hosted cloud-based solution, managed service or on-site license subscription, this next generation solution empowers service providers with a client-centric model for service differentiation and rapid deployment of new services.

Inventory Management Whether your challenges are in the physical, logical, or virtual network layers, CHR Inventory Management Software helps you to take control of your network inventory assets and expenses.

CALEA CHR offers Trusted Third Party Services for Service Providers to comply quickly and easily with the CALEA requirements imposed by the FCC. CHR provides a solution that automatically provisions equipment to intercept the required content and provide the intercepted information to the requesting Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) when an SP customer receives a Lawful Intercept request for a subscriber’s data.

Managed NOC and IT Services Improve your business while reducing operational costs and managing risk. Leverage CHR’s 24/7 managed IT Network and Data services to deliver the resources and experience you can depend on!

Contact a CHR Solutions representative at 713.351.5111 or [email protected] to explore options to ensure your company has the best opportunity to take advantage of these programs.

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Documents

Engineering & Consulting Services Guide