Sandrine Pasqualini

Modeling operational expenditures for telecom operators

This paper introduces an operational expenditures (OpEx) cost model for telecom operators. In order to give a general overview, all operational expenditures are classified according to a matrix structure. The most important processes to operate an existing network are indicated. The processes for routine operation, reparation, service provisioning and pricing and billing are discussed in detail. Starting from the description of those processes, it is possible to derive formulae to calculate the actual OpEx cost for a certain network scenario. The needed methodology is described in the paper. Finally, we indicate how the used network technology and the offered network services influence the overall OpEx cost.

Influence of GMPLS on network providers' operational expenditures: a quantitative study

GMPLS is promoted as a major technology for the automation of network operations. It is often claimed to allow the reduction of operational expenses. However, detailed analysis and quantitative evaluation of the changes induced by such technologies is very rare. In this article we quantify the cost reduction potential of GMPLS. We present a detailed analysis and modeling of traditional operator processes. We also develop a model for the expected changed processes when using GMPLS and identify the differences quantitatively. A survey with major telecom operators has been done, and the process models have been verified and parameterized. This allowed quantitative evaluations of the OPEX changes with GMPLS. The results show that, depending on the network operators processes, different impacts can be expected. As an overall result we could verify that a reduction on the order of 50 percent of OPEX can be expected for most operational models.

Operational cost reduction using ASON/ASTN

ASON/ASTN technologies promise automated network operations, significantly reducing costs. This paper presents some results from a process-based quantitative approach analyzing the reductions in operational costs to be expected for networks operators using these technologies.

Influence of a control plane on network expenditures

This paper provides a detailed analysis and modelling of the Operational Expenditures (OPEX) for a network provider. The traditional operational processes are elaborated and the expected changes when using a control plane such as ASON/GMPLS are described. Control planes are promoted as a major technology for the automation of network operations. It is often claimed to allow the reduction of OPEX. However, detailed analysis and quantitative evaluation of the changes induced by such technologies is rare. In this paper we quantify the cost reduction potential of an ASON/GMPLS based control plane. Additionally, we show an important impact of the used resilience scheme on the expenses directly related to continuous costs of infrastructure (floorspace, energy,...) and on the planning and reparation costs. Concerning the service provisioning costs, we show that the introduction of a control plane leads to a reduction in the order of 50% of the OPEX cost compared to the traditional case.

MPLS Protection Switching Versus OSPF Rerouting

Resilience is becoming a key design issue for future IP-based networks having a growing commercial importance. In the case of element failures the networks have to reconfigure in the order of a few hundred milliseconds, i.e. much faster than provided by the slow rerouting of current implementations. Several multi-path extensions to IP and timer modifcations have been recently proposed providing interesting alternatives to the usage of of MPLS below IP. In this paper these approaches are first described in a common context and then compared by simulations using very detailed simulation models. As one of the main results it can be shown that an accelerated update of the internal forwarding tables in the nodes together with fast hardware-based failure detection are the most promising measures for reaching the required reconfiguration time orders.

A Global Perspective of IPv6 Native and Transition Scenarios for DSL Infrastructures

This paper focuses on IPv6 deployment scenarios across fixed-access multi-edged MANs, assuming a DSL-based infrastructure. A full end-to-end perspective, including impact of such deployment on the different MAN elements is provided. The paper brings together and analyses the impact of current IPv6 solutions and features, applying them to a relevant set of connectivity wholesale models, considering both native IPv6 and IPv4/IPv6 coexistence scenarios