The Art and Science Behind Network Infrastructure Design: An Engineer that builds and operates Perspective

In network infrastructure design, where digital connectivity is king, there exists a realm where the artistry of the field meets the scientific precision of technology. Before the era of sophisticated pole collection tools like the IKE, there were pioneers who traversed the landscapes armed with nothing but their wits, a Hastings stick and clipboard, and a keen eye for detail.

For those entrenched in the field, there's a profound appreciation for the marriage between satellite imagery, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the tangible experience of being on-site. While satellite and GIS provide invaluable data for line work, nothing quite compares to the visceral understanding gained from physically navigating the terrain, understanding the nuances of drilling, Aerial work and splicing and envisioning the trajectory of network growth.

Understanding the intricacies of equipment capabilities and limitations, devising strategies for network maintenance during service disruptions, and mitigating risks to ensure a resilient network are paramount. Balancing these considerations while optimizing efficiency and meeting regulatory requirements embodies both the science and art of network infrastructure design. This entails crafting comprehensive documentation packages for estimation, permitting, construction, and submission, ensuring every facet aligns seamlessly for a robust and sustainable network.

The true essence of network infrastructure design lies not just in technical prowess but in grasping the operational philosophies of the operators themselves. It's about designing with foresight, aligning with long-term plans, and ensuring that the network that is serviceable in an emergency and evolves seamlessly with the ever-changing demands of technology and society.

Yet, amidst the digital revolution, there's a lament for the erosion of craftsmanship. The relentless pursuit of cost-cutting measures has given rise to a culture where the "lowest bidder" mentality reigns supreme. The value of design, once revered as a delicate balance between science and art, has been compromised in favor of efficiency and expediency.

The essence of engineering, with its blend of analytical thinking and creative problem-solving, is lost amidst the churn of CAD farms, where disconnected entities churn out designs devoid of context or care. Even within ostensibly U.S.-based companies, the outsourcing of drafting tasks to underpaid individuals masquerading as engineers that have never seen the route and do not understand the processes undermines the very foundation of quality design and network integrity.

In the quest for connectivity, let us not forget the physical plant is a large investment with a twenty plus year life cycle. Getting the circuit lit is important but, what we decide and build today will impact the network and communities for decades.