An Efficient Integer Programming Model for FTTH Networks Design

The continuous rapid development in technology has led telecom services companies to constantly strive to enhance their networks in order to provide better service for their customers. It is due to the fact that the Internet infrastructure has become an important aspect to the world since it is believed to be an enabler to economical growth in the regions where it is provided. With the constant demand of higher bandwidth for the use of online applications such as gaming, video streaming, and data sharing, the legacy copper network and coaxial cables have been replaced with the fiber-optic line access networks. In this paper, an efficient integer linear programming (ILP) approach is proposed to design a Fiber-to-the-Home network based on Gigabit Passive Optical Network (FTTH/GPON) technology for a given area. The model decides simultaneously the location of the equipment and the routes for installing the cables. Several greenfield areas have been considered in this work to investigate the effect of handling real scenarios.