Most of Troyer Group’s fiber design projects begin with the high-level design phase. In this process, Intrepid and Troyer Group’s project leaders establish the overall route and scope of the build. During this stage, planners decide if they will place fiber along the front lot lines, the back lot lines, or a combination of both. They make this decision based on existing infrastructure, accessibility, and service goals. Planners also evaluate the best general path to connect all intended service addresses, considering environmental constraints and major utility corridors.

Once designers set the high-level plan, they start the low-level design phase. They perform a much more detailed review, incorporating plats and right-of-way information to understand the legal and physical boundaries of the project. Next, they do GIS tagging and fielding to record precise asset locations and conditions, which enables accurate mapping. For aerial builds, engineers conduct pole loading reviews to determine if existing poles can handle the additional weight of fiber cables or if they need replacements. This phase produces an exact blueprint for where crews will place each segment of fiber and how it will interface with existing infrastructure.

Designers then create the bill of materials, which serves as the cost order for all fielding equipment and installation components. They specify the type of fiber to be used, the clamps, bolts, and down guys required for pole work, as well as underground equipment such as flowerpots, handholes, and conduit. They carefully calculate quantities based on the low-level design, ensuring procurement and budgeting align with actual build requirements.

Afterward, designers prepare splice documents to detail exactly how crews will connect the fiber network in the field. These documents show every splice point, the fibers involved, and the sequence of connections, ensuring crews can build a system that matches the intended network topology and performance goals. This step is critical for network integrity and long-term service reliability.

Designers create permit and construction prints in parallel with splice documentation, translating the design into construction-ready drawings that field crews can follow. Project managers coordinate the permitting process, as they need approvals from municipalities, utility companies, and possibly state or federal agencies before work can begin. They must align each permit application with local regulations and design specifications to avoid delays.

Once crews start construction, they produce field redlines and as-builts. Redlines capture any deviations from the original plans that happen during construction, while as-builts document the final installed network in complete detail. This record serves as the authoritative source for future maintenance, expansions, and troubleshooting, ensuring the constructed network matches both functional and regulatory requirements.