AN INTERACTIVE DESIGN SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR ATM NETWORKS - PLANQUEST

This paper describes PLANQUEST, a support system for use in the design of ATM network architectures, and presents case studies to demonstrate its effectiveness. An important feature of PLANQUEST is that it includes support for the design of hierarchical structures, topologies, and for the transit node function assignment, all of which affect network cost-effectiveness. Further, it manages to reduce significantly the time required for calculating VP (Virtual Path) capacity, thus improving response time sufficiently to support a fully interactive design system, and its advanced graphical interface makes it easy for users to see and modify the design as it progresses. Finally, to help users design for uncertain ATM network conditions, PLANQUEST provides an important sensitivity analysis function based on such variables as traffic and QOS (Quality Of Service) demands. This facilitates the design of the most cost-effective network configuration.