What Is a Custom Fiber Network?
A custom fiber network is a privately engineered physical fiber route designed to meet the unique connectivity needs of a business, institution, or infrastructure partner. Unlike leased or shared networks, Crosstown Fiber’s custom builds are fully owned and tailored to the client, with dedicated capacity, defined paths, and the ability to grow without vendor lock-in.
These networks are ideal for organizations that:
Require high levels of data privacy and physical security
Need consistent high-capacity bandwidth (100G, 400G, 800G+)
Operate multiple sites or data centers that must remain connected with low latency
Are building future-ready infrastructure for AI, machine learning, or cloud migration
How Crosstown Builds Custom Fiber Networks
We combine deep regional expertise, modern engineering tools, and a hands-on project management approach to design networks that align with your operations—not the other way around.
Key Advantages:
Site Assessment & Consultation
We start by analyzing your existing infrastructure, facility layout, entry points, and long-term goals. This allows us to propose intelligent routing options and futureproof design choices.
Network Planning & Design
Using GIS software and civil planning tools, our team models multiple underground routes that optimize for latency, physical security, and growth capacity. We consider conduit spacing, vault access, environmental conditions, and future expansion.
Permitting & Coordination
We manage all right-of-way negotiations, utility locates, and all jurisdiction permitting—especially important for metro-area builds where cross-agency coordination is key.
Construction & Deployment
Crosstown Fiber and its partners/crews use a mix of installation methods, including directional boring, trenching, and micro-trenching, to minimize disruption and ensure precise placement. All builds are fully subsurface and constructed using brand-new materials.
Turn-Up, Testing & Documentation
Our Fiber Network is tested using OTDR and power meter tools to ensure signal integrity, and detailed as-built documentation is delivered for your records and future planning.
Why Choose Crosstown for Custom Fiber?
Crosstown Fiber isn’t just a network provider—we’re your infrastructure partner. Our boutique approach means we work with you closely from design to deployment, while our network scale means we can meet even the most demanding performance specs.
Key Advantages:
100% Underground Infrastructure
Eliminate the risks associated with aerial cabling, including outages from weather, wildlife, and vandalism.
New, High-Quality Materials
We don’t use repurposed conduit or outdated fiber. Every strand and enclosure is newly constructed for long-term performance.
Future-Ready Design
We build with growth in mind—conduit systems include spare ducts for future capacity, and our route design allows for easy extensions.
Full Path Control
Own the route, own the capacity. Unlike ISPs or lit service providers, you’re not sharing infrastructure with competitors or limited by vendor terms.
Local Expertise, Midwest Reach
We know the Chicago area block by block—but our capabilities extend into Indiana, Ohio Minnesota, and Iowa for regional enterprises or institutions with distributed sites.
Who Uses Our Custom Fiber Solutions?
Crosstown’s custom networks support a wide range of industries across the Midwest, including:
Data Centers: AI / Cloud and Hyperscale Companies
Dedicated point-to-point fiber ensures uptime and eliminates congestion risks when transferring data.
Healthcare Systems:
High-capacity, private fiber supports medical imaging, patient data systems, and real-time collaboration across hospital campuses.
Financial Institutions:
Low-latency routes reduce delay in algorithmic trading and secure sensitive transactional data.
Higher Education & Research:
Connect campuses, labs, and regional research networks with reliable, scalable fiber that supports high-throughput computing.
Government & Municipal Networks:
Build smart city infrastructure, surveillance systems, and emergency communications with secured underground fiber pathways.
Real-World Applications
“We needed a fiber route that wasn’t just fast—it had to be private, redundant, and tailored to our footprint across Chicago. Crosstown delivered with surgical precision and proactive communication at every step.”
Though we can’t share every client by name, Crosstown Fiber has deployed custom underground networks for some of the region’s most demanding organizations—including K-12 education systems, research institutions, and cloud-scale service providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom fiber network take to build?
Typical timelines range from 90 to 365 days, depending on route complexity, permitting requirements, and seasonal factors. Crosstown handles all planning and coordination to keep timelines tight.
What’s the difference between custom fiber and lit services?
Custom fiber gives you physical ownership or dedicated control of the fiber. Lit services are managed by a provider and include bandwidth but often come with usage limitations and shared infrastructure.