Best Practices When Deploying a Low-Latency Microwave Network

Best Practices When Deploying a Low-Latency Microwave Network

Deploying a low-latency microwave network can get you milliseconds ahead of the competition, leading to significant trading profits and risk reduction. However, certain network deployment pitfalls can lead to extensive time delays and cost overruns. Through our experience assisting clients in developing networks along the key trading corridors between New York, Washington D.C. and Chicago, American Tower has identified best practices in three key areas to help your project run smoothly: site selection, due diligence and construction.

Site Selection Selection of the best possible candidate sites is critical to the deployment and operation of a low-latency microwave trading network. You should confirm that potential sites are capable of accommodating a desired equipment load now and in the future. Equally important are the safety and compliance standards of site owners along with their ability to provide and maintain site access.

Due Diligence Rigorous, up-front due diligence is required to accurately estimate costs and deployment timeframes. Three key areas that can lead to cost overruns and delays are potential structural or twist and sway related concerns, local jurisdictional permitting requirements and line-of-sight obstructions. By completing thorough research with the site owner early on and performing an actual drive of the proposed low-latency route, financial services operators can plan appropriately to mitigate perceived risks.

Construction The construction phase of a low-latency microwave project requires careful planning and attention to detail to ensure a successful and timely network launch. Vendor selection is important, and securing qualified and available construction crews is equally critical. Lately, this has been difficult due to labor shortages for the highly specialized skill set required to properly install low-latency equipment. In our experience, the most successful network launches begin construction as soon as local jurisdictional permits are received. This approach prevents construction resources from being spread across a large group of sites and allows their focus to be on workmanship, not schedules. Many potential variables affect the deployment of a low-latency microwave network, but keeping these best practices in mind will have you ahead of the game. Be sure to seek out partners and vendors who are experienced in establishing these networks for distinct time-to-market and latency advantages. American Tower has a unique portfolio of sites, services and dedicated resources positioned to help you deploy industry-leading, low-latency microwave networks. Based on your objectives, American Tower’s customized solutions can accommodate your specific geographic, capital-funding and timing requirements so that you can concentrate on your core business.

To learn more about network deployment best practices, please contact:

877-409-6966 [email protected]

877-ATC-SITE | 877-282-7483 | www.americantower.com

© 2014 by ATC IP LLC. All rights reserved.