On the Development of Methodology for Planning and Cost-Modeling of a Wide Area Network

Abstract

The most important stages in designing a computer network in a wider geographical area include: definition of requirements, topological description, identification and calculation of relevant parameters (i.e. traffic matrix), determining the shortest path between nodes, quantification of the effect of various levels of technical and technological development of urban areas involved, the cost of technology, and the cost of services. These parameters differ for WAN networks in different regions - their calculation depends directly on the data "in the field": number of inhabitants, distance between populated areas, network traffic density, as well as available bandwidth. The main reason for identification and evaluation of these parameters is to develop a model that could meet the constraints imposed by potential beneficiaries. In this paper, we develop a methodology for planning and cost-modeling of a wide area network and validate it in a case study, under the supposition that behavioral interactions of individuals and groups play a significant role and have to be taken into consideration by employing either simple or composite indicators of socioeconomic status.