Optimization models for ATM network planning

This article describes mathematical programming models that have been developed and employed to evaluate configuration strategies for metropolitan ATM telecommunication networks. The models determine the optimal placement of ATM switch hardware and fiber optic transport. The objective is to satisfy point-to-point traffic demand at minimum cost while ensuring specified performance under a core failure contingency. Model results suggest that a simple architecture based on two core switch locations provides a robust, near-optimal solution. Communication service providers face a future market environment characterized by dramatically increasing demand and dominance of data services over voice services. One approach to achieving a "data-centric" network architecture relies on Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology, in which all types of traffic (voice, data, video, etc.) are converted to common data packets. The optimization models described in this article support an effective application of ATM technology to ensure that customer service demands are satisfied in a reliable and cost-efficient manner.