Blog | Pulse Telecom | Network Manager

66 articles

Merry Christmas 2024

  • 16 December 2024
  • Henry Dijkstra

Some say Santa Claus isn’t real—but maybe they’re just working with *bad data*! 🎅 Pulse Telecom wishes telecom operators worldwide a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Here’s to making 2025 your most efficient year yet, with potential network cost savings of 20-30%! 🎄✨ Season’s greetings from the Pulse Telecom team!

Is YOUR Network in Sync? (video 61)

  • 20 September 2024
  • Henry Dijkstra

Experiencing frequent call drops, jittery video calls, or fluctuating data speeds? Poor synchronization could be the root cause. In mobile networks, bad synchronisation often leads to dropped calls during handovers, while in data networks, it results in packet loss and jitter that disrupt voice and video services. Contact us for a complimentary synchronisation network discovery consultation.

Overcoming Network Auditing Challenges (video 60)

  • 19 September 2024
  • Henry Dijkstra

Are you facing challenges in capturing and validating network data to reduce associated costs? What key questions should you be asking yourself? We're here to help. Reach out for expert advice and support today.

Network Integration (video 59)

  • 24 July 2024
  • Henry Dijkstra

If you don't know what you've got, it's going to be very difficult to join other pieces onto it, to create the entire solution. Let us help you capture what you've got, so you can plan what you need.

Capacity Planning in the Dark (video 58)

  • 4 July 2024
  • Henry Dijkstra

Revenue leakage & network capacity issues are related. Your marketing strategy and traffic model are both dynamic. This environment makes capacity management impossible without real-time data to respond to customer demands on your network. Mismanaging this can significantly increase revenue loss. Accurate data is your tool to keeping everything perfectly in balance.

Unknown Revenue Leakage (video 57)

  • 3 July 2024
  • Barbara Dijkstra

A poor performing telecom network leaks revenue, just like a leaky tap wastes precious water. But how do you know that you have a problem when your customers are not complaining. And how are you going to fix it?

One in 7.5 Billion (video 56)

  • 2 July 2024
  • Henry Dijkstra

There are 7.5 billion mobile phones in the world today. But what happens if your message is only for one of those 7.5 billion users and nobody else?

IMS vs OSS (video 55)

  • 15 April 2024
  • Barbara Dijkstra

OSS and IMS. Is there a difference? If so, what is it? We ask some of our valued regional managers in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and Europe to explain.

Global Not Local (video 26)

  • 22 March 2024
  • Barbara Dijkstra

To support international operators, Pulse Telecom needs to be global, not just local. We therefore have a team of regional managers spread all over the world. We are truly, never far away and always ready to help, no matter where you are and what time it is.

54 Marketing, Traffic, Networks, Revenue, GO (video 54)

  • 26 February 2024
  • Barbara Dijkstra

In telecom, nothing stays the same. Changes in marketing impacts a telco’s traffic model, its network dimensioning, network performance, data throughput & ultimately, its revenue stream. Without accurate reliable network data, telcos cannot make the correct network decisions & this can be a very expensive mistake to correct at a later date. Avoid mistakes by using PNM.

The Three Challenges for Telcos (video 53)

  • 13 February 2024
  • Barbara Dijkstra

Saving network associated costs in 3 steps. 1) Telco captures his network data, with an API, or network audit. 2) Captured data is evaluated & then imported into a telecom network IMS. 3) Telco uses IMS features to reduce their opex and capex. Pulse Telecom can help capture your data, import it into PNM and then use its features to ensure maximum cost reduction.

Consequences of Bad Data (video 52)

  • 8 February 2024
  • Barbara Dijkstra

Bad network data is bad for your staff, your network performance, your finances, your network modernisation, your customers & bad for business. PNM provides you with a network-wide single point of truth and the tools to reduce your costs, improve your network and keep your customers happy and loyal. Isn’t that good for business? Let’s start off with a FREE network data capture scoping program.

Important Network Questions (video 51)

  • 4 January 2024
  • Henry Dijkstra

How do you know that your network data is 100% accurate, and that it won’t fail you at that crucial moment, when everyone needs it? What does it take to establish a real single point of truth in technical terms and in commercial terms? How can you use your network data to save significant amounts of network related costs? The answer is different for every telco because no 2 networks are identical.

Bespoke Network Data (video 50)

  • 3 January 2024
  • Barbara Dijkstra

We think that using your own telecom network data to evaluate an IMS is virtually a necessity. We think this is so important, that we offer to help you to plan & scope a Network Data Capture project - completely free of charge - regardless of your purchasing decision. At the end of the day, it’s about adding value for telcos, that matters the most to us.

Win no matter what! (video 49)

  • 30 December 2023
  • Barbara Dijkstra

If I had a really amazing sports car, with a super-fast engine, powerful breaking and superior handling - BUT - I didn’t have any petrol, it would be very difficult for me to show you how great the car is. The same is true for a Telecom Network Inventory Management System without it being loaded up with your own network data.

Why do I need so many Software Tools? (video 48)

  • 29 December 2023
  • Barbara Dijkstra

Ever wondered why telcos have so many software tools, when they actually, only have ONE network? Why would you need yet another tool? Unless of course, that one tool could replace all of the others....

My Journey from Network Training to Network Management (video 47)

  • 28 December 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

This is Barbara’s story about how Covid-19 destroyed her telecom training business and the incredible journey, that has taken her from being stranded in the Caribbean to managing the international affairs of a Telecom Network IMS company. She can't wait for the next chapter in this journey to start!

Network Faults of a 3rd Kind (video 46)

  • 27 December 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Recent history has taught us that no telecom operator is immune from major outages and network failures. Isolated hardware and software failures can normally be dealt with quickly, but network failures caused by capacity issues, configuration errors and transmission quality can be disastrous. They can take a long time to fix. When the unexpected happens, how well will your network hold up?

Your Network Data (video 45)

  • 23 December 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Telecom network data can be static or dynamic and can be stored anywhere ranging from inside someone's head to a digital record in a modern OSS. But not all data is good data. BAD data includes data that is fragmented, corrupt, conflicted, incorrect, incomplete or simply missing. What's your network data like?

Imagine (video 44)

  • 22 December 2023
  • Barbara Dijkstra

Imagine a telecom network, full of sites, equipment, and nodes that are connected to each other via a series of trenches, ducts, cables, and logical circuits, riding on fibre, microwave, copper, satellite and mobile radio frequencies. Imagine how complicated this all is. Now imagine if it was unmanageable!

The Single Man of Truth (video 43)

  • 21 December 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Ever heard the saying “Nobody is invincible?” Imagine someone who knew everything about your telecom network, so nobody else had to. His colleagues and management could ask him anything, and he would always be more than happy to help. Now imagine if the unimaginable happened to him. Nobody is invincible except a good, fully backed up telecom network inventory management system.

The Tragedy of Bad Data in an Emergency (video 42)

  • 20 December 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

When telecom services are down, everyone suffers. In an emergency, this makes the situation even worse. Without access to accurate network data, it is very challenging to restore essential telecom services. Imagine being able to plan traffic restoration before a disaster, so that when it really matters, the footwork has already been done. Now all you need to imagine is a good telecom network IMS.

Network Data Capture Made Easy (video 41)

  • 19 December 2023
  • Barbara Dijkstra

Trying to capture unavailable, incorrect, fragmented, corrupted & conflicted network data is a difficult & costly task. But this doesn’t have to be the case. By correctly scoping the project, defining the required resources, and by using APIs and network audits, the results are quick, accurate & surprising affordable. Now you too, can benefit from accurate network data in your telecom network IMS.

Using APIs to Capture Telecom Network Data (video 40)

  • 18 December 2023
  • Barbara Dijkstra

Application Programming Interfaces is the language that two software applications can use to communicate your telecom network’s data, without needing to understand how the other system works. Imagine an API that is operating in discovery mode, and providing you with a single point of truth, even when your network data changes. With PNM, there’s no need to imagine!

Is your Network Stressing YOU out? (video 39)

  • 17 December 2023
  • Barbara Dijkstra

Networks are becoming more and more complicated. In an emergency, or a network outage, or when an important customer is upset, it doesn't help when some of the finer technical details are either missing or just don't add up. It’s enough to stress out the best of us! The good news is, that it doesn't have to be so stressful and difficult...

Saying Telecom Network Inventory Management System in other Languages (video 38)

  • 16 December 2023
  • Barbara Dijkstra

How many non-programming languages do you understand? Ordering a meal at a restaurant in another language is one thing, but how would you get on saying “Telecom Network Inventory Management System” in a multitude of European, Middle Eastern, and Asian languages? There must be an easier way!

Turning a Bird’s Nest into a Telecom Network (video 37)

  • 15 December 2023
  • Barbara Dijkstra

A bird’s nest and a telecom installation sometimes have a lot in common. Our Pulse Network Manager is probably not going to be able to help the birds! However, we can help change a bird’s nest into a telecom network. All you need is the right tool to manage the connections, and somewhere else for the birds to nest in.

The Young Age of Technical Savvy Customers (video 35)

  • 14 December 2023
  • Barbara Dijkstra

Technology savvy telecom customers are becoming younger every day. Networks are becoming less of a mystery for customers, especially younger ones. They ask difficult questions about the quality level of their service and telcos need to be able to provide them with truthful and factual answers. The good news is that with PNM, they don't have to guess about the network that supports those services.

The Big Telecom Inventory Manager’s Trial (video 33)

  • 13 December 2023
  • Barbara Dijkstra

Imagine if it was possible to capture everything about your entire telecom network in a single software tool. The mobile, fibre, satellite, PSTN, copper, microwave, power systems, HVAC, lawful intercept, billing, and absolutely everything that there is. Just imagine. The good news is that now, you don't need to imagine anymore, because it’s here.

Private 5G Networks (video 32)

  • 12 December 2023
  • Barbara Dijkstra

Because 5G is being introduced gradually, there will be a lengthy period where 5G will need to inter-operate with legacy networks. These are called non-standalone networks. However, private standalone 5G networks are being used in many industries around the world. From mining to medical, and everything in between. But even private 5G networks need a good inventory management system.

A Single Point of Truth that allows you to Sleep Easy (video 31)

  • 11 December 2023
  • Barbara Dijkstra

On Friday afternoons, the majority of workers are looking forward to the weekend. They’re looking forward to relaxing and spending time with friends and family, maybe watch a movie together on Saturday night? Isn't it good to know that everything in your network is ready to carry the weekend's traffic? Now you can sleep easy as well.

Successful Network Transfer following Design-Build-Operate (video 30)

  • 10 December 2023
  • Barbara Dijkstra

Many FTTx companies are using the "Design-Build-Operate-Transfer" model. In the "transfer" stage, there's more at stake than just the fibre in the ground. Imagine if you could transfer technical details of the physical, logical & virtual assets inside your network’s inside & outside plant, plus details of your network’s optical budget & physical capacity management? Imagine how easy it would be!

Why Protection Routes Sometimes Fail (video 29)

  • 9 December 2023
  • Barbara Dijkstra

Most network outages occur after an initial fault has occurred, and because of bandwidth capacity issues on back up routes. Because bandwidth allocation is dynamic, capacity management is critical, even on protected routes that normally do not carry traffic. PNM automates this process so you can analyse the details before any protection switching is implemented & make the best network decisions.

Finding the Nearest Fibre Connection (video 28)

  • 8 December 2023
  • Barbara Dijkstra

One of the common complaints from customers, is the huge amount of time it take them to get connected to fibre. This is not a good start to a new customer relationship. Wouldn't it be great, to be able to offer your customers fibre & instantly know details about the cost, risk & complexity of the installation? Imagine how that would speed up the provisioning process and result in happy customers!

In the Complicated World of 5G (video 27)

  • 7 December 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Unlike in previous technologies, 5G uses little dedicated hardware. It's now all about applications, interfaces, protocols & configurations. Yesterday's inventory management systems are no longer up to the job. Legacy-based lawful Intercept & online charging are just 2 examples of technologies that won't work in 5G. The good news is, that PNM is built for 5G, FTTx GPON and the rest of your future!

Capturing Hard-to-Reach Network Data (video 25)

  • 2 December 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Ever heard the expression, “Rubbish-in, Rubbish-out”? Pulse Telecom captures telecom network data regardless of location or altitude. The data is then validated and migrated into PNM. Any data that is obviously incorrect, missing, or conflicting with other data, is highlighted, and is not stored in PNM as “good data”. This means that the rubbish tin is emptied before rubbish ever enters PNM.

The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing BUT the Truth (video 24)

  • 1 December 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

In a court of law, the truth is considered to be very important. Without truth, there cannot be any justice. In a telecom network, the truth about every single technical detail is just as important. Without the presence of the truth, telcos spend far too much money on operations and network upgrades. Knowing the TRUTH about your telecom network is knowing the TRUTH about your business.

Telecom Time Travel (video 23)

  • 30 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Dial tone, rotary dials and crackling telephone calls, now virtually belong to the past, along with paper-based network records. We’ve come a long way with our technology, but we also still have a long way to go. A good, modern Telecom Network Inventory Management System is therefore built for the FUTURE, while at the same time remaining compatible with the PAST.

A Bad Day at the Office (video 22)

  • 29 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Sometimes even Telco executives have really bad days in the office. Mr Wright is no exception. He has been very wrong about his network in a lot of cases lately. The consequences of his network’s lack of capacity are finally catching up with him. The good news is, that his situation doesn’t need to be like this, and help is never far away.

How to Capture Telecom Network Data (video 21)

  • 28 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Telecom network data can be static, dynamic, accurate, & defragmented. However, very often, network data is found to be incomplete, unavailable, missing, incorrect, corrupt, or fragmented. Thankfully, no matter what state your data is in, Pulse Telecom can capture, validate and import it into its PNM-IMS. The emphasis is on validation, because nobody wants a “Rubbish-in / Rubbish Out" system.

Successfully Hiding Network Outages from your Customers (video 20)

  • 27 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Important transmission routes have protection in case the primary route fails. But sometimes, this isn't always possible, for either technical or economic reasons. An example would be a telecom network that is connected to the outside world, via a single fibre sea cable. The good news is, that with the right tool, traffic can still be re-routed, and the end customers never need to know!

Circuits of a Physical, Logical and Virtual Kind (video 19)

  • 24 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

In a telecom network, physical connections that can be touched and seen, are only half the story. Logical and virtual connections are just as important. Client services are built on all three circuit layers, so understanding the relationship between the numerous circuit types in each layer, and the relationship between layers, is essential to understanding the entire end-to-end client service.

Blind in your own network (video 18)

  • 23 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Not knowing your telecom network inside out can have some nasty consequences - not only for the telco, but also for their customers. There is nothing worse than being blind in your own network, especially in emergency situations. The good news is, that a comprehensive Network Inventory Management System like PNM significantly mitigates these risks...

It's not just about Software (video 17)

  • 22 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Buying IMS software for your network is only half the solution. Populating it with real live validated network data is the other half of the solution. Wouldn't it be great if the inventory management software and the network data capture service could be combined? Now, there is a full end-to-end solution available. Reaping the financial and technical benefits of this has never been easier!

How Telco’s can Reduce their Carbon Footprint (video 16)

  • 21 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

With the recent heatwaves in the Northern Hemisphere, climate change has once again become a much-talked about subject. Even sending a single email across town carries a price tag as far as the network’s carbon footprint is concerned. So imagine how important it is for telcos, to reduce their carbon footprint. But what can Telcos do to help with this situation?

What’s where in FTTx? (video 15)

  • 20 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

It's all about FTTx these days. How to get Internet traffic from the ISP Core to the end customer, and everything in between. It’s a passive network, and that can make it very challenging to administer, monitor & manage. For many telcos, it can be a jungle. It doesn't have to be however, not even when full 5G makes use of the same GPON technology for its front haul transmission.

What's Inside a Telecom Network (video 14)

  • 19 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a single Telecom Network Inventory Management System for everything, regardless of the technology, and regardless of whether that technology belongs to yesterday, today or tomorrow? Imagine if an entire network’s inside plant, outside plant, multi-vendor equipment, and multi-everything else, was registered in one system. Now there's no need to only imagine!

Mr Gray’s Single Point of Truth (video 13)

  • 18 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Mr Gray, our telecom executive friend, uses Google at home and Pulse Network Manager for his network data at work. The experience is quite different! At home, there are lots of Mr Googles, and sometimes these Mr Googles don’t agree with each other. This is very frustrating for Mr Gray. No wonder he is pleased to get back to work the next day, and only have one SINGLE point of truth.

The Importance of Network Capacity (video 12)

  • 17 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

We all know that capacity is very important for telcos, but how many different types of capacity do telcos consider? Think about bandwidth, heat, and optical power to name just a few. Too much network capacity is a waste of money. Too little capacity results in poor network quality, which equates to missed revenue. Do you know how much capacity your network actually has - and how much it needs?

Firefighting in Telecom Networks (video 11)

  • 16 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Does a lack of telecom network data turn your skilled engineers into fire fighters, when there is an outage, or some other unexpected and expensive technical challenge? Wouldn’t it be more productive if everyone that needed it, had all the technical information to be able to deal with unexpected technical issues, regardless of when they occur?

How to Reduce Expensive Network O&M (video 10)

  • 15 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Is O&M on your network too expensive? With the right tool, it doesn't need to be. Not now, and not in your future. Not even when your network becomes a full 5G network with xGPON serving your front haul. How do you make your OPEX affordable and predictable? How do you then keep it at that low level – even when the technology changes?

How to write a better RFP for your Network Upgrade (video 09)

  • 14 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

When it comes to upgrading your network to Full 5G and xGPON, you'll need to invest some time writing an RFP. Wouldn’t it be easier, if you knew exactly what assets you already have, the technical quality of those assets, their commercial value, and when they'll need to be replaced? In this way, you’ll save significant capital, because you’ll know, which of your assets can be re-used.

Calculating the Approximate Average of Everyone’s Network Opinion (video 08)

  • 12 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Have you ever been to a technical meeting where many people think that they understand their telecom network, but in actual fact, very few do? Wouldn’t it be good to have a single point of truth that everyone trusts? Imagine the increased productivity! Imagine using facts to shape your future projects instead of opinions!

Are you ready for FULL 5G? (video 07)

  • 11 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Telcos are now rolling out 5G, but there is still a lot of technology to come. FULL 5G offers many new revenue generating features. But is your current Telecom Network Inventory Management System FULLY compatible with the latest FULL 5G technology? Or does it focus more on earlier 5G technology and other legacy technologies? FULL 5G is almost here. Let us help you to keep up with the future!

Finding OPEX Leakages (video 06)

  • 10 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Telecom technology is truly fascinating - but its main purpose is, as a tool to earn a Telco revenue. Every Telco in the world wants to reduce their costs, but this is easier said than done. Before telcos can stop their revenue leakage, they need to know how bad it is, what is causing it, and where in their network, it is happening. With the right tool, this is not too difficult.

Lost in Cyber Space (video 05)

  • 9 November 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Getting lost in a network, when everything looks the same, and you can’t find what you need, is not a comfortable feeling. This is especially true for technicians and engineers, who are under huge pressure to rectify technical faults. One wrong assumption can hinder the fault-finding procedure, and may even cause new faults. The good news is, that there is help available....

IMS Readiness for FULL 5G (video-04)

  • 30 October 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

As 5G networks become more mature, and offer more services to users, so do their complexity. The introduction of 5G networks into telecommunications is a slow journey, not an instant event. It is therefore absolutely essential that telecom networks and Inventory Management Systems are made FUTURE PROOF today, to avoid major problems tomorrow. Is your IMS ready for tomorrow's full 5G?

Customisation for Unique Networks (video-03)

  • 29 October 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

When I was young, I thought that all telecom networks were like the one in my home country of New Zealand. After moving to the Netherlands, I assumed there were two types of networks, those used in NZ and those used in NL. To my amazement, when in Saudi Arabia, I saw that their network was different yet again. Then I realised the truth - ALL networks are totally different and unique.

The Cost of Bad Network Data (video-02)

  • 28 October 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

Capturing, validating and importing telecom network data into a network inventory management system can seem very challenging. But without accurate data, such a system would be a waste of money and a waste of time. The good news is, that there are many ways that we can help. We can scope and simplify the process, capture the data on your behalf, or work together with you in a joint venture.

Try before you Buy (video-01)

  • 27 October 2023
  • Henry Dijkstra

How does a telecom network inventory management system save you from unnecessary costs, outages, loss of reputation, and loss of revenue, etc.? The easiest way to answer these important questions in a very practical way, is for you to enjoy a luxury guided tour of our system, followed by a FREE test drive. You even have the option of using your own network data!

Telecom Challenges in Small Island Nations

  • 15 October 2021
  • Henry Dijkstra

Unlike in Europe, telecommunications in small island nations like those found in the Pacific, Indian and Caribbean oceans? I have done considerable work in some of the remotest (and most beautiful) countries in the world and the challenges that these nations face are very interesting. They all have one thing in common…

Is your network ready for the Internet of Things, IP Multimedia Subsystems, Big Data and 5G?

  • 3 July 2017
  • Henry Dijkstra

Futuristic technologies require a good underlying infrastructure, with good bandwidth, to be able to operate correctly and earn the operator revenue. Problems in the underlying infrastructure that causes slow and intermittent internet access, will affect IoT, Big Data and 5G even more than they affect current technologies like ADSL and VDSL.

How Technical should a Telecom Project Manager be?

  • 21 October 2014
  • Henry Dijkstra

How technical does a telecom project manager need to be? By the same token, how technical "should" a project manager be? Should the project manager spend most of his or her time on site, or be driving the project from behind a desk in head office? The answer is a complex one and it depends upon whom you ask.

Technical Project Management in Telco Projects

  • 17 September 2014
  • Henry Dijkstra

Many Telco’s have realised that technical projects do not manage themselves, but require a project manager for successful project delivery. However, it would be a mistake to think that employing the services of a project manager is all that is needed.

Staying on Top of Rapidly Advancing Technology

  • 18 June 2014
  • Henry Dijkstra

The technology associated with is moving forward at a rapid rate - too rapid for some of us who are continually being bombarded with new terminology, acronyms and buzzwords.

Cultural Considerations during Training Sessions

  • 4 March 2014
  • Henry Dijkstra

Cultural considerations, when providing international training sessions, is just as important as the training content it self. Knowing the culture of the trainees can be used to customize the way the content his presented.