Optical Network Extension Planning Using Integer Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building and expanding metropolitan area networks, particularly with fiber-optic cabling, is costly and complex due to the need for careful planning and physical infrastructure development, including trenching and resurfacing streets, which can be expensive and requires coordination with local governments and businesses.
Innovation Solution
A method using integer programming models to optimize the extension of optical communication networks by identifying cost-effective paths to connect new customers, considering geographical locations, existing network nodes, and different types of connection paths, such as ring and lateral paths, to determine whether and how to extend the network based on revenue and cost analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If fiber-optic network is extended to new customer locations, then service coverage and revenue potential are improved, but construction cost and complexity increase due to trenching and physical infrastructure development
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using integer programming models to pre-plan and optimize network extension paths before construction begins. The system identifies optimal routes, evaluates cost-effectiveness, and determines the most valuable customer connections in advance, reducing on-site decision-making complexity and coordinating more efficiently with local governments and businesses before construction commences
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses virtual modeling and simulation to create digital representations of potential network extensions. The integer programming model evaluates multiple hypothetical path configurations and their associated costs/revenues before physical construction, allowing the team to copy and compare different design scenarios without actual field work, thereby reducing construction complexity
2Reliability
If fiber network is laid through streets requiring trenching and resurfacing, then physical connectivity to customers is achieved, but construction expense increases to hundreds of thousands of dollars per city block
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using integer programming to evaluate and compare different path configurations based on multiple parameters including cost, distance, number of streets requiring trenching, and customer value. The model optimizes the selection of arcs and nodes to minimize construction expense while maintaining reliable physical connectivity, identifying the most cost-effective routes through the metropolitan area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network extension problem into discrete arcs (street segments) and nodes (intersection points or customer locations). The integer programming model evaluates each segment independently, determining which arcs to include in the optimal path. This segmentation allows for precise cost calculation per city block and enables selective construction of only the most valuable segments
3Reliability
If network design accounts for redundant physical connections to customers, then network reliability and service continuity are improved, but planning complexity and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates redundancy requirements as explicit parameters in the integer programming model. The system evaluates multiple path configurations that provide redundant connections, comparing their associated costs and complexity. The model can enforce constraints requiring alternative paths or backup routes while optimizing the overall network design, balancing reliability requirements with planning complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure involve a method for optimizing an extension of an optical network to provide service to one or more new customers. The method considers the location of existing network nodes as well as a metropolitan environment where the new customer is located (e.g., the geographical location of streets where fiber may be routed to a customer). Aspects of the present disclosure further employ one of various linear programming models, such as a 1-Layer Model, a 3-Layer Model, a 5-Layer Model and a Dual Path Model to generate cost effective solutions to extend the existing optical network to provide service to the new customers.