Midco Partners with RocNet Supply to Build Innovative Remote Test Lab to Enhance Network Testing and Deployment

June 25, 2025 – Macedon, NY – RocNet Supply, a leading provider of network hardware solutions, engineering services, and test lab innovations, today announced the successful deployment of a custom-built remote test lab for Midco, one of the Midwest’s leading internet, cable TV and phone service providers.

Midco partnered with RocNet to build a remote test lab to improve testing efficiency and better reflect their production environment. The new lab setup offers the flexibility, scale, and remote access needed for modern network demands—while also making it easier to track and manage platform changes.

“Our existing lab was functional, but it lacked the space and scale to really meet our needs. Plus we have several test patterns and environments that we need to test across. Setting up these environments over and over was causing us to waste cycles that we’d prefer to spend on the testing itself,” said Eric Tijerina, Midco’s Director of Network Architecture and Access Engineering. “RocNet helped us design and implement a second lab that closely mirrored production while also supporting large-scale service group simulations. Their expertise, attention to detail, and ability to work through the complexities of the lab with minimal oversight really made them the ideal partner.”

The custom remote lab features a densely packed array of modems, ONUs, Remote PHY nodes, server infrastructure, and production-mirrored plant systems — all accessible remotely via Layer 1 switching and console management. This setup allows Midco engineers to efficiently test firmware updates, service group migrations, and network deployments without impacting live customers.

“The real winners are Midco’s subscribers,” added Tijerina. “With more certainty and efficiency in our testing processes, we can consistently deliver the reliable, cutting-edge services our customers expect.”

RocNet’s remote test lab deployment supports Midco’s ongoing vCMTS technology adoption and will enable faster, safer rollouts of new technologies while reducing operational overhead and physical resource demands.

“Helping Midco future-proof their operations and empower their engineering team is exactly why we built our remote lab capabilities,” said Mike Baker, CEO of RocNet Supply. “It’s exciting to see this level of impact so quickly.”

About RocNet Supply

RocNet Supply’s mission is to be a trusted end-to-end network solutions partner, helping clients build and maintain robust, sustainable networks that drive economic development, enhance communication, and improve quality of life for all. They provide effective, efficient, and creative solutions for network operators by combining best-in-class new technologies with Green Market hardware as part of a circular economy.

About Midco

Founded in 1931, Midco is a telecommunications leader redefining connectivity. They maintain market leadership by providing exceptional customer experiences using the region’s most reliable owned and operated fiber network spanning 17,000 miles. Midco services more than 1 million homes and businesses in more than 400 communities with 1,900 team members across Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Their mission is to be the best communications company in the country for their neighbors, team members, partners and communities.

For more information

Susan Griepsma, Marketing Director
sgriepsma@rocnetsupply.com
(585) 485-0273, Ext 103