System and method for determining an evolving combination of network components to maximize the net present value of a provider's cash flow

a network component and network technology, applied in the field of communications network evolution, can solve the problems of inability to make reasonable decisions regarding necessary price adjustments, inability to maximize the net present value of cash flow, and inability to intelligently deploy network technologies that reduce cost and stimulate demand, and achieve the effect of stimulating demand, maximizing the net present value of cash flow, and low cos

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-08-03
LEVEL 3 COMM LLC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach optimizes cash flow from communications services by intelligently managing network evolution and pricing, ensuring network components meet demand and adhere to resource constraints, thus enhancing decision-making and network efficiency.

Problems solved by technology

Hence the relationship between revenue and cost has not been fully appreciated in the development of strategic planning models.
In particular, the failure to consider the interaction between price, demand, and cost has led to the development of business plans that are suboptimal.
Without such a business model, a communications company will almost certainly be unable to make sensible decisions regarding the necessary price adjustments, adjustments that may have to be made on a continuous basis.
A communications company lacking such a model will also be unable to intelligently deploy the improved network technologies that lower cost and stimulate demand.

Method used

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  • System and method for determining an evolving combination of network components to maximize the net present value of a provider's cash flow
  • System and method for determining an evolving combination of network components to maximize the net present value of a provider's cash flow
  • System and method for determining an evolving combination of network components to maximize the net present value of a provider's cash flow

Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to the figures, where like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Also in the figures, the left-most digit of each reference number corresponds to the figure in which the reference number is first used. While specific configurations and arrangements are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other configurations and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that this invention can also be employed in a variety of other devices and applications.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Overview

[0027] A. Purpose

[0028] B. Process structure

[0029] C. Basic flow

[0030] D. Terms

II. Preliminary assumptions

[0031] A. Time

[0032] B. Products

III. Process

[0033] A. Constraints

[0034] B...

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PUM

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Abstract

A method and computer program product are presented for selecting and arranging an appropriate combination of network components, or elements, in a communications network. The selection of network components is done in a manner that maximizes the net present value of cash flow resulting from the provision of communications services between nodes of the network. The method comprises the steps of receiving information that constrains network design and price establishment, and then using the constraint information to select a combination of network components for each link in the communications network. According to the invention, the selection of network components is performed for each of several successive time periods, effectively planning the evolution of the network. The selections are made so that the network components satisfy demand over time while maximizing the net present value of the cash flow that results from the provision of communications services.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of prior, co-pending U.S. Patent Application for “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING AN EVOLVING COMBINATION OF NETWORK COMPONENTS TO MAXIMIZE THE NET PRESENT VALUE OF A PROVIDER'S CASH FLOW,” which was filed on Feb. 1, 2002 and assigned Ser. No. 10 / 060,412, and which claims the benefit of priority to prior, provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60 / 256,327 (filed Feb. 1, 2001) and 60 / 301,790 (filed Jul. 2, 2001). The complete disclosures of each of these prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to the evolution of a communications network, and more particularly to the management of associated costs and revenue. [0004] 2. Background Art [0005] A goal of any commercial communications service provider is to maximize returns to the investors of the company. Corporate fin...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G06Q40/00G06F17/10H04L12/56H04L29/06
CPCG06Q20/108G06Q20/1085G06Q40/00G06Q40/02
InventorCROWE, JAMES Q.RUSHMEIER, RUSSELL A.DAS, INDRANEELKOSTER, PAUL J.ALVAREZ, JOSE F.REYNOLDS, MARK A.LOTOSKY, LORRAINE
OwnerLEVEL 3 COMM LLC