Switched-access network optimization methodology

A method of optimizing access connections between a long distance carrier and a local exchange carrier network so as to minimize access charges paid by the long distance carrier, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) partitioning the local exchange carrier network into a plurality of separate geographic areas, each separate geographic area including a plurality of end offices;
• b) for each partition created in step a), defining a plurality of network elements associated with access charges, including long distance carrier points-of-presence (POPs), multiplexers (MUX's), end offices, direct trunks, access tandem switches, access tandem trunks;
• c) for each end office in each partition, determining a minimal cost architecture of direct trunks, access tandem trunks and access tandem switches as a function of forecasted traffic volume;
• d) for each partition including at least one multiplexer, determining an optimal assignment and location for each multiplexer and associated high capacity facilities using a mixed integer program including the following parameters:
• cem:
• cost of a trunk from endpoint e to its POP;
• cm:
• cost of a multiplexer and a high capacity facility from MUX location m to its POP;
• and
• De:
• total number of trunks required to endpoint e and the following decision variables:
• xe:
• number of trunks from endpoint e to its POP;
• yem:
• number of trunks from endpoint e to MUX location m;
• and
• zm:
• number of high capacity facilities from MUX location m to its POP, where the mixed integer program objected is defined as:
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• and, based on the optimal assignment,
• e) re-determining the minimal cost architecture of step c) and updating the optimal assignment and location results for each multiplexer;
• and
• f) combining the results for each end office in each partition to determine an optical access network topology with minimal access charges.