Sofie Verbrugge

General availability model for multilayer transport networks

This paper reports the initiative taken within the IST-project NOBEL to define a general availability model and collect general availability numbers for several network equipment types, independent from vendor specific product information. The model includes optical layer equipment as well as IP and SDH equipment, described using a triplet-representation for each of the availability measures with optimistic, nominal and conservative values. The availability model has been applied to different typical transport network scenarios. Several case studies were performed to compare the end-to-end connection availability and the required network capacity for different resilience mechanisms.

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.

Techno-economic Analysis of Software Defined Networking as Architecture for the Virtualization of a Mobile Network

Worldwide mobile network operators have to spend billions to upgrade their own network to the latest standards for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones (e.g. Long Term Evolution, LTE). This is in contrast with the decline in average revenue per user and threatens: (1) their profitability and (2) the fast adaptation of new standards. Investigating new mechanisms that can decrease the capital expenditures (capex) and operational expenditures (opex) of a mobile network is therefore essential. Enabling multiple mobile network operators on a common infrastructure is one such mechanism. Software defined networks can overcome this problem and a solution based on exploring OpenFlow (OF) as architecture for mobile network virtualization has been proposed. We investigate two network scenarios based on this OF solution in a techno-economic analysis: (scenario 1) software-defined, non-shared networks and (scenario 2) virtualized, shared networks and compare it against the current situation. By doing so, this paper provides insights on the relative cost savings that a mobile network operator can reach through Software Defined Networking (SDN) and network sharing. The techno-economic analysis indicates that SDN and virtualization of the first aggregation stage and second aggregation stage network infrastructure leads to substantial capex cost reductions for the mobile network operator. As a consequence, mobile network infrastructure virtualization through the use of OpenFlow could be one of the problem solvers to tackle the issue of rising costs and decreasing profitability. Still, we did not take into account the direct effect on operational expenditures and the indirect effect that network sharing can adversely affect the ability of the operators to differentiate themselves.

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.

Game-Theoretic Optimization of a Fiber-to-the-Home Municipality Network Rollout

Rolling out fiber to the home (FTTH) is very cost intensive, and typical figures mention around 1500euro (

General framework for techno-economic analysis of next generation access networks

2000) to add one house to the network. The viability of a FTTH project largely depends on the take rate and as such on the competition with other operators. In this paper we investigate a case in which a municipality rolls out FTTH in competition with another network operator upgrading its infrastructure. We construct an economic model for both operators, including the effects of competition, on which we apply game theory to find the optimal strategies. We complete the results using sensitivity analysis. The final results show how a municipality FTTH rollout drives the existing operator into a more aggressive competition and how FTTH favors industrial sites and densely populated areas.

Next-generation optical access seamless evolution: concluding results of the European FP7 Project OASE

A large variety of access network technologies and architectures that provide wide service portfolio to the customer are available for the network operators. Each of the potential access network architectures and technologies varies in complexity, network functionality, services supported and overall network costs. A detailed comparison of the economic viability of different access network scenarios is crucial for operators due to the high cost of this network segment. This paper identifies all essential elements of a general framework for the techno-economic analysis of different access network technologies and architectures, as well as describes some specific issues/problems related to the techno-economic evaluation of next generation (NG) access networks. The goal is to have at operators disposal a methodology allowing the techno-economic comparison of the proposed access network solutions and their introduction/rollout.

Business scenarios for a WiMAX deployment in Belgium

Increasing bandwidth demand drives the need for next-generation optical access (NGOA) networks that can meet future end-user service requirements. This paper gives an overview of NGOA solutions, the enabling optical access network technologies, architecture principles, and related economics and business models. NGOA requirements (including peak and sustainable data rate, reach, cost, node consolidation, and open access) are proposed, and the different solutions are compared against such requirements in different scenarios (in terms of population density and system migration). Unsurprisingly, it is found that different solutions are best suited for different scenarios. The conclusions drawn from such findings allow us to formulate recommendations in terms of technology, strategy, and policy. The paper is based on the main results of the European FP7 OASE Integrated Project that ran between January 1, 2010 and February 28, 2013.

Municipalities as a Driver for Wireless Broadband Access

This article discusses the future of WiMAX as a possible wireless access technology in Belgium. The technological aspects of WiMAX, and especially Mobile WiMAX are treated in detail in order to develop a planning tool. Based on this tool, a techno-economic evaluation is made for the Belgian market. Several business and rollout scenarios are proposed and compared to each other

Economic benefits of a community driven Fiber to the Home rollout

Municipalities can form a driving force behind the deployment of new telecom infrastructure. While a telecom operator focuses on direct (financial) profits, a municipality is mainly interested in the social benefits for its inhabitants. In this paper, we evaluate a wireless municipality network from both a technical and an economic point of view. WiFi and WiMAX are considered as the most suited technologies for this purpose. A detailed techno-economic study has been performed including forecasting of the user adoption, dimensioning of the wireless network and modelling the related costs and revenues. The trade-off between installing a high number of relatively cheap WiFi access points, and a smaller number of more expensive WiMAX base stations for delivering full coverage is investigated in several scenarios.