Data Networks

This group addresses the needs of both telecommunications carriers and the network service departments of large enterprises, up through Layer 4 of the OSI protocol stack. The staff of this department has dozens of years of experience in the design of data networks ranging from campuses for major universities and corporate headquarters, through metropolitan networks for regional hospitals, to the global private network of a Fortune 100 corporation. Combining this background with knowledge of the latest technology and the skills of the other departments of Engineering Associates establishes an ability to address the engineering needs of both traditional and emerging telecommunications carriers, and the operators of large private networks.

Academic and Corporate Campuses

The Data Network Engineering department can respond to needs for stand-alone data networks, or for designs that are tightly integrated with voice and video operations on the campus. Projects are normally divided into phases, with frequent reviews of progress:

• Identify needs by analyzing current capabilities, projected requirements, transition constraints, and industry trends.

• Select the technology that will be most effective and efficient in satisfying the needs, and develop an implementation strategy that will minimize disruptions. Consider emerging technology such as xDSL, cable modems, and wireless as well as traditional approaches.

• Develop functional design of generic network electronics for coordination with the work of other EAI departments on new backbone cabling on the campus, and closets and structured wiring in the buildings.

• Write technical content for RFP consistent with the functional design, and assist with the administration of the RFP and the analysis of bids.

• Monitor the work of the contractor to help insure that the technical requirements of the contract are being met.

Wide Area and Metropolitan Area Networks
(WAN and MAN)

Complex technological alternatives, evolving regulations, dynamic vendor business relationships, and case by case pricing make it very difficult for anyone to predict what combination will provide the best available solution to a particular set of technical and geographic needs. EAI takes a pragmatic approach to the problem:

• Identify needs by analyzing current capabilities, projected requirements, transition constraints, and industry trends.

• Develop a functional RFP based on the needs to be satisfied rather than a specific design.

• Amend the bid prices with the cost of customer supplied equipment that will be needed to interface with each proposed network, and assist in the analysis of the bids.

• Assist in acceptance testing.

Broadband Local Access Engineering for Carriers

Emerging technologies such as xDSL, cable modems, and LMDS are creating new business opportunities and new competitive pressures for established wireline and cellular telephone companies and CATV system operators, as well as opening the market to new entrants. The Data Network Engineering department of EAI, working closely with the other departments that provide traditional support to these carriers, offers several vital services:

• Identify potential opportunities and hazards by analyzing capabilities of the client and the competition, projected customer requirements, and industry trends.

• Select the technology that will be most effective and efficient in meeting the challenge.

• Develop functional design of generic network electronics for coordination with the work of other EAI departments.

• Provide technical insight and cost estimates for business models that will guide strategic decision making.

• Write technical content for RFP consistent with the functional design, and assist with the administration of the RFP and the analysis of bids.

• Assist with acceptance testing

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