A Modular Software System for Planning and Cost Modeling of A Wide Area Network

Abstract

This research presents a modular software system that computes the mathematical relationships needed to evaluate planning and business-oriented models for estimation of the cost of a set of current Wide Area Networks (WAN) transmission technologies. Based on the software modular design, a program for constructing a minimum-cost WAN design is built. In addition, a case study is carried out for the design of a nation -wide WAN. The research achievements are expected to be very useful for enterprise WAN designers due to the essential roles of computer networks in maintaining the competitiveness of today’s organizations. Besides, the development of large-scale WANs planning and cost-modeling software are important issues for large enterprises that use WANs, for carrier service providers, and for Internet Service Providers (ISP).