Project Overview
Served as the primary hands-on deployment engineer for the installation and integration of a software-defined access network (SDAN) supporting an open-access fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) infrastructure provider.
The project involved deploying the Altiplano management platform, commissioning a Nokia Lightspan FX optical line terminal (OLT), configuring broadband service profiles, integrating supporting network systems, and validating operational readiness.
Successful deployment required coordination with multiple technical teams, including IP routing, firewall, customer engineering, internet service provider (ISP), and operations support system (OSS) vendors.
Technical Challenges
Deployment without Internet connectivity
The upstream router had not yet been commissioned, leaving the installation environment without Internet access. This required an alternative approach to obtaining operating system updates and Altiplano installation packages.
OLT software preparation
The OLT required a software image change to support the planned Lightspan deployment. Preparing the platform involved updating its CompactFlash media with the appropriate Lightspan software.
Hardware troubleshooting
A failed card in the OLT chassis required troubleshooting during deployment and integration.
Technical Approach and Contributions
As the primary hands-on deployment engineer, responsibilities included:
- Collaborating with engineering teams, the customer, and ISP representatives to define SDAN architecture and service requirements, including QoS, VLAN numbering, and broadband speed tiers.
- Installing and configuring Ubuntu Linux and the Altiplano management platform.
- Preparing installation materials and operating system updates off-site to accommodate the lack of Internet connectivity.
- Creating an air-gapped Altiplano installation package using an authorized lab environment.
- Updating the OLT CompactFlash media with the required Lightspan software image.
- Commissioning and integrating the Lightspan FX OLT.
- Creating Altiplano service profiles to support the defined network and service requirements.
- Configuring test services and validating network connectivity.
- Troubleshooting OLT hardware and providing on-site assistance to routing and firewall teams.
- Executing the Acceptance Test Procedure (ATP) to validate system functionality and operational readiness.
Results and Outcomes
All planned acceptance tests passed successfully following establishment of ISP connectivity and successful communication between the OSS vendor systems and Altiplano.
The deployment demonstrated the ability to overcome unexpected installation constraints, resolve platform software issues, troubleshoot access-network hardware, and coordinate integration across multiple technical disciplines.
The experience also reinforced the importance of preparing alternative installation procedures for deployment environments with limited or unavailable Internet connectivity.
Demonstrated Expertise
SDAN / Altiplano · XGS-PON · Lightspan FX · OLT Commissioning · Linux · Air-Gapped Installation · Service Provisioning · Network Integration · Troubleshooting · Acceptance Testing
This project represents prior professional experience and was not performed under Karwisch Broadband Consulting LLC. Customer-identifying and confidential information has been omitted. Karwisch Broadband Consulting LLC is independent and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Nokia.