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| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Industry | Telecommunications |
| Company Type | Integrated voice, data, Internet CLEC |
| Geography/Coverage | 30,000+ mile fiber network across 35 states |
| Primary Challenge | Paying high costs for outsourced network monitoring |
| Solution Deployed | In-house NOC with distributed RTUs nationwide |
| Key Result | $2 million per year reduction in operational expenses |
| Products Used | NetGuardian remote telemetry units at 48 nationwide locations |
KMC Telecom is an integrated provider of voice, data, and Internet services operating a fiber optic network stretching over 30,000 miles across 35 states. As the company grew from startup to major CLEC, economies of scale created an opportunity to reduce operational costs.
KMC had outsourced network monitoring since deploying its fiber optic network in the mid-1990s. While this approach worked for a startup, growth changed the economics. By 2001, the expanding network made it practical to bring monitoring in-house. The company needed to cut operational expenses while maintaining visibility across thousands of miles of infrastructure.
"As the network grew, it became more and more practical for us to take monitoring in house."
KMC created a network operations center in Huntsville, Alabama, deploying NetGuardian RTUs at 48 locations across the United States. The distributed monitoring architecture provides visibility into fiber integrity, environmental conditions, power systems, and security at remote sites nationwide.
The NetGuardians collect alarms from fiber equipment, environmental sensors, power systems, and security devices. This ensures KMC receives immediate notification of any condition that could threaten network availability.
Operating its own NOC delivered substantial financial benefits while improving network visibility. The move from outsourced to in-house monitoring saved approximately $2 million per year. KMC gained real-time monitoring capabilities that proved critical when severe weather struck, demonstrating the value of direct network oversight.
| Metric | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost Savings | $2 million per year reduction in operational expenses |
| Network Visibility | Real-time monitoring across 48 locations |
| Geographic Coverage | Complete oversight of 30,000+ mile network |
| Storm Response | Successfully handled November tornado strike |
"It's really added to our peace of mind to be able to see what's going on real-time. The NetGuardian equipment was a part of that."
- Harold Moses, Director of Operations, KMC Telecom
| Benefit | Result |
|---|---|
| Operational Efficiency | Eliminated outsourcing costs through in-house monitoring capability |
| Real-Time Response | Immediate visibility into network conditions replaced delayed reporting |
| Scalable Architecture | Distributed RTU deployment supports continued network growth |
| Weather Resilience | Monitoring system proved reliable during severe tornado event |
NetGuardian Remote Telemetry Units
Monitor equipment, environmental conditions, and security at remote sites.
When should a telecom provider bring monitoring in-house?
The decision depends on network scale and operational costs. For most startups, outsourcing makes sense due to limited infrastructure and budget constraints. As your network grows beyond 20-30 sites, in-house monitoring often becomes more economical. Calculate your current monitoring costs per site and compare against the investment in a NOC with distributed RTUs. KMC's break-even came around 48 locations.
How do you monitor a fiber network across multiple states?
Distributed remote telemetry units at each site collect alarms and report to a central monitoring system. Each RTU monitors local fiber equipment, environmental conditions, power systems, and security. The NOC receives real-time data from all locations, regardless of whether sites connect via Ethernet, T1, or cellular. This architecture scales from dozens to thousands of sites.
What monitoring is essential for telecom network uptime?
Beyond equipment alarms, monitor three critical areas: environmental conditions (temperature and humidity that damage equipment), power systems (generators, batteries, and rectifiers), and physical security (door access and motion detection). Fiber-specific monitoring includes signal levels and equipment performance. Environmental and power issues often cause outages before equipment fails.
How much can in-house monitoring actually save?
Savings depend on your current outsourcing costs and network size. Typical outsourced monitoring runs $200-500 per site monthly. A 50-site network paying $300 per site spends $180,000 annually. An in-house NOC with RTUs requires upfront investment but eliminates recurring fees. KMC's $2 million annual savings came from monitoring 48 locations across 35 states, demonstrating substantial ROI for mid-sized networks.
Like KMC Telecom, you can cut operational expenses while improving network visibility. Our engineers will help you design a monitoring solution that fits your infrastructure and budget.
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