FOX STUDIOS

Fox Studios: Modernizing the Network Behind the Lot

For Fox Studios, modernizing communications infrastructure means preparing for future production needs while keeping today’s operations running. Across a complex campus of interconnected buildings, the studio needs a reliable, resilient, scalable network to support evolving technology, daily operations, and long-term growth.

Fox engaged PLANNET to evaluate its existing infrastructure and develop a coordinated modernization approach. Drawing on experience with large entertainment campuses and mission-critical communications networks, PLANNET is helping the studio understand current conditions, prioritize investments, and plan improvements around the demands of an active studio lot.

The Challenge: Modernizing Aging Infrastructure While Keeping the Lot Operating 

Fox’s communications infrastructure includes an extensive network of fiber optic, copper, and coaxial cabling, along with conduit pathways and connections serving buildings throughout the campus. Modernizing this interconnected environment requires a clear understanding of what exists, where deficiencies create risk, and which upgrades should take priority.

The studio also needs to improve network resilience, accommodate future growth, and support its new Distributed Antenna System (DAS) rollout. These improvements must be carefully sequenced to minimize disruption to the communications services that support production and daily operations.

The Solution: Turn Infrastructure Findings into a Coordinated Modernization Plan

PLANNET’s work began with technology consulting and infrastructure assessment services. Now complete, Phase 1 laid the foundation for modernization by documenting and evaluating the studio’s existing fiber-optic and copper communications infrastructure.

The team assessed current conditions, identified aging cabling and infrastructure deficiencies, and developed standards to guide future upgrades. PLANNET also prepared recommendations that aligned infrastructure priorities with Fox’s long-term goals while accounting for the operational constraints of an active studio campus.

With Phase 2 underway, PLANNET’s role has expanded to detailed infrastructure planning, design, and coordination of implementation. Working closely with Fox stakeholders, the team is:

• Enhancing network resilience: Developing a strategy to extend and improve the existing fiber ring topology and increase network diversity through additional communications routes.
• Prioritizing cabling upgrades: Identifying and sequencing replacements for aging multimode fiber, hybrid fiber, copper, and coaxial cabling.
• Documenting pathways and connectivity: Mapping existing conduit pathways and cable connections to inform design decisions and coordinate improvements.
• Organizing work across the campus: Developing a zone-based prioritization plan for upgrades to infrastructure within buildings and the outside pathways and cabling that connect them.
• Supporting the DAS rollout: Coordinating the infrastructure improvements needed to support the studio’s new distributed antenna system.

Protecting Production Through Careful Implementation Planning

Maintaining continuity is central to PLANNET’s approach. The team’s implementation plan addresses how active communications circuits will migrate to new cabling before the team removes legacy infrastructure.

This sequencing minimizes disruption to critical communications and production activities while modernization advances. Coordination with Fox stakeholders helps align the planned work with the studio’s operational requirements and infrastructure priorities.

The Progress: Greater Clarity Today, a Stronger Foundation for Tomorrow

With Phase 1 complete, Fox has a documented understanding of its existing infrastructure, identified deficiencies, and standards and recommendations to guide modernization decisions. That foundation gives the studio a clearer path to prioritize upgrades and coordinate work across the lot.

Phase 2 is translating those findings into detailed plans, designs, and implementation strategies. As improvements move forward, Fox is working toward a more robust, adaptable communications network—one designed to support current operations, accommodate new technology, and grow with the studio’s future production needs.

“Working on the Fox Studios project has been an unforgettable experience and privilege. There’s something special about walking onto a studio lot with so much history and knowing you’re helping prepare it for the future. From coordinating around typical studio operations to working through unexpected evolving conditions and finding solutions with the team, this project has had its share of challenges, but that’s also what has made it so rewarding. Seeing the first phase completed and knowing the work we’ve done will support the studio for years to come is something I take a great deal of pride in.”

– Bob Otoupalik, Project Director, PLANNET