Method for generating and evaluating SDH network structure

Introduction of synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) as a new world standard invoked an important task of restructuring traditional networks to suit the SDH. In spite of this task formulated as an optimization problem, for several reasons it is preferable to have a simple practical method rather than a limited solution. This paper proposes a method for setting transmission systems and laying out cross-connect devices at given building locations and established routes with conduits carrying the transmission equipment. In particular, on the assumption of a hierarchical transmission network, the authors demonstrate their design method for configuring an economical network structure by balancing the node costs and link costs for each area. This design method involves such parameters as cross-connect level, minimum circuit demand which is used as a characteristic in the path grouping, path assignment section, and others. Variations of a transmission network structure are systematically generated by modifying values of these parameters. The disclosed design method is helpful for obtaining guidelines for proper use of cross-connect devices and various transmission systems differing in their capacities and cost characteristics. (C) 1997 Scripta Technica, Inc.