Service-driven network planning method
First Claim
1. A method for network planning, comprising the steps of:
- estimating demand for a plurality of services to be provided by a network over a period of time;
translating said demand for said plurality of services into required bandwidth flows to determine network elements that may be used in said network over said period of time to provide said plurality of services; and
forecasting network growth over said period of time based upon said determination of network elements that may be used and current network resources; and
forecasting financial metrics.
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Abstract
A method for forecasting future telecommunications network growth so as to maximize carrier profitability. The method being a service-driven network planning method for more accurately forecasting the future equipment needs of telecommunications carriers. A plurality of different service forecasts are utilized to create a network model. These forecasts are translated into bandwidth flows and modeled as they traverse the network. An amalgamation of these flows is translated into equipment needs and existing equipment is subtracted from the needs to result in a long-term equipment needs forecast. Financial metrics that model the carrier business plan are also employed to generate a forecasted profit and loss statement. With such a statement, long-term strategic issues that will impact carrier performance and profitability can be identified.
14 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method for network planning, comprising the steps of:
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estimating demand for a plurality of services to be provided by a network over a period of time;
translating said demand for said plurality of services into required bandwidth flows to determine network elements that may be used in said network over said period of time to provide said plurality of services; and
forecasting network growth over said period of time based upon said determination of network elements that may be used and current network resources; and
forecasting financial metrics. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for forecasting profitability of a network carrier utilizing at least one network model having a plurality of network elements comprising the steps of:
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estimating demand for a plurality of services to be provided by a network over a period of time;
estimating bandwidth flows for each of said plurality of services;
determining a network model comprising a plurality of network elements based upon said estimated bandwidth flows and a utilization threshold per network element;
forecasting network growth over said period of time based upon said network model and current network resources;
generating a forecasted profit and loss statement based upon said demand for said plurality of services and said network model. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification