CTC performed a technical evaluation of the City of Alexandria’s existing fiber-optic institutional network (I-Net). In addition to the results of our engineers’ inspection and testing to verify, the final report included strategic recommendations for future cable franchise agreements, conditions for how to improve network reliability, and plans for future network expansion.

CTC performed a study to determine the County’s communications requirements, and provided recommendations regarding system designs and the cost benefits of constructing a fiber-optic network. Our engineers also conducted performance testing of the county’s fiber-optic infrastructure interconnecting more than 100 facilities. In a separate project, our team designed a video system to support the display of real-time information systems within a newly constructed Fire Department Headquarters dispatch center, utilizing state-of-the-art plasma video monitors and high-definition video routing systems. We are currently overseeing the contractor chosen to integrate this system.

CTC evaluated the performance of Arlington’s fiber-optic institutional network (I-Net). We performed testing to ensure the network was operating according to the conditions of the County’s cable franchise agreement. During this process we conducted a series of interviews with County stakeholders to assess their current and future networking services and bandwidth needs. Based on these findings we provided recommendations for future upgrades and modifications to the I-Net.

In a separate engagement, CTC reviewed and approved fiber documentation provided to the County in GIS format by its franchisees. GIS data was reviewed for completion and to ensure acceptable GIS best practices were in place.

CTC provided network engineering support to the City of Bowie when it relocated its City Hall offices and network operations center (NOC) in 2011. Our staff assisted in the design and planning of the new City Hall network infrastructure and the creation of a unified communication system. We also helped develop monitoring and diagnostics tools, internal support procedures, and manuals to assist city staff in the operations of network infrastructure. In addition, our team performed detailed security assessments, including auditing network switch, firmware, and firewall configurations.

CTC developed a strategic technical plan for the City of Cincinnati’s Regional Computer Center (RCC). We examined the existing municipal networking infrastructure and assessed the communications capabilities and needs of various City government departments. Based on the information collected, our team provided a series of strategic recommendations for how the RCC could expand networking services to meet future demands. We also discussed the available options for equipment and solutions.

CTC is involved with the planning and implementation of various Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) initiatives for the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT). We have designed and implemented communications systems for ITS devices, including Variable Message Signs (VMS), traffic signal controllers, and microwave-based traffic sensors, using technologies ranging from fiber-optic data transceivers to digital spread spectrum wireless modems. Additionally, we developed specifications for and overseen the implementation of a mobile traffic camera system utilizing standards-based 802.11b wireless Ethernet transmission and MPEG-2 video encoding for flexible deployments in construction zones and emergency situations. We further supported DelDOT in the unprecedented implementation of a statewide Enhanced Traffic Advisory Radio System (E-TARS) and assisted in negotiations for the purchase of a commercial AM broadcast license, and designed the studio and transmission systems for WTMC, a class D, 520 Watt AM radio station that provides commercial-caliber traffic broadcasts. Our team continues to provide technical support and maintenance for WTMC, and is currently supporting DelDOT in implementing plans for expanding TARS coverage and enhancing system reliability.

CTC conducted a feasibility study for the creation of an internal municipal fiber-optic network to support several of Durham’s governmental departments. CTC staff led needs assessment interviews with local agency representatives and examined existing municipal networking infrastructure. From these findings we provided a series of recommendations for local decision makers to consider regarding fiber networks. To further facilitate the deliberation process, our engineers also delivered preliminary network engineering plans based on utilizing existing municipal assets. These plans included detailed cost estimates for the construction and operation of the proposed internal municipal network.

We have worked with Montgomery County as an engineering consultant providing technical support in cable television and communications networking. CTC advises the county on new fiber-optic design standards and emerging cable TV architectures that, as they continue to be implemented, will support new interactive services such as Video on Demand (VoD), High Definition TV (HDTV), Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and distance learning. Our team worked with Montgomery County to design and implement the G-Net, a broadband coaxial network to serve county agencies with voice, video, and data services. We also assisted the County to plan an upgrade for the G-Net from coaxial cable based technology to fiber-optic technology, and assisted with development of a county-wide telecommunications system for gathering and disseminating transportation information using a fiber-based network.

CTC prepared a needs assessment and strategic recommendation report for Port Angeles to support the City’s efforts to evaluate its municipal network. Our staff conducted interviews with City personnel and performed on-site inspections of municipal facilities. We then discussed existing and projected telecommunications and data network application requirements in context of the ability of existing networking infrastructure to meet those needs. Special attention was given to security and redundancy issues. The report concluded with recommendations and cost estimates for technical enhancements to the City’s network.

To help inform local leaders as they prepared for the county’s cable franchise renewal process, CTC produced a strategic plan for the County’s fiber-optic I-Net. We conducted a series of interviews with network stakeholders to collect information on connectivity needs and general feedback. Our team provided detailed analysis of the annual operational savings the I-Net provides when compared to comparable commercially leased networking services. The report also discussed technical approaches for ways to manage, maintain, and physically expand the I-Net. Our report concluded with recommended priorities to consider during negotiations for the cable franchise renewal agreement.

CTC assisted the City with the design and performance testing of the fiber-optic cabling installed by the local cable operator to interconnect city facilities. At the client’s request, we prepared an RFP containing data network design and equipment specifications, which led to the construction of a Gigabit Ethernet network interconnecting 13 city facilities. During the network integration process, we assisted with contractor oversight and detailed design review. Following integration of the data network backbone, the City implemented a citywide Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone system supporting approximately 500 city telephones, for which we reviewed system proposals and cost estimates and revised designs.

CTC assisted the City with the design and performance testing of the fiber-optic cabling installed by the local cable operator to interconnect City facilities. At the client’s request, we prepared an RFP containing data network design and equipment specifications, which led to the construction of a Gigabit Ethernet network interconnecting 13 City facilities. During the network integration process, our team assisted with contractor oversight and detailed design review. Following integration of the data network backbone, the City implemented a citywide Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone system supporting approximately 500 city telephones, for which we reviewed system proposals and cost estimates and revised designs.

CTC delivered a comprehensive report on Wilmington’s municipal networking needs to inform the City’s cable franchise renewal process. Our staff conducted needs assessment interviews with representatives of various municipal departments and site visits to inspect current equipment. Based on these results, we provided detailed engineering solutions to meet Wilmington’s internal networking, public safety, and local access television station needs. We produced a set of recommendations for future action as part of the report.