Level 3 Communications, LLC

Benjamin K Peterson

Samid Ameer Hoda

Laurel Clark

William Gray

An optical network including a plurality of gateway nodes interconnected with a plurality of intermediate nodes with segments of fiber. The network includes a plurality of devices, such as reconfigurable optical add drop multiplexers, optimally placed at various nodes throughout the network. The device placement is optimized with an integer linear programming analysis considering span definition such that any given span involves some number of segments not exceeding a number of segments that would require wavelength regeneration, cost of placement of a device at a given node, cost of wavelength regeneration, and various parameters and constraints.

Wavelength regeneration in a network

Implementations described and claimed herein provide a system and methods for determining a minimum number of communication nodes to substantially cover a particular geographical area and for optimizing an extension of an optical network to provide service to the communication nodes. In one implementation, at least one parameter for one or more forces configured to control interactions of a plurality of nodes is received. Each of the nodes has a node range corresponding to an effective operational limit of the node. Boundary information defining a geographical area to which coverage by a network may be provided is received. The one or more forces are simulated to distribute the plurality of nodes. The simulation of the one or more forces causes the plurality of nodes to become positioned in an overall layout such that the defined geographical area is substantially covered by the node ranges.

System and methods for obtaining ubiquitous network coverage

Aspects of the present disclosure involve a method for optimizing an extension of an optical network to provide service to one or more new customers. The method considers the location of existing network nodes as well as a metropolitan environment where the new customer is located (e.g., the geographical location of streets where fiber may be routed to a customer). Aspects of the present disclosure further employ one of various linear programming models, such as a 1-Layer Model, a 3-Layer Model, a 5-Layer Model and a Dual Path Model to generate cost effective solutions to extend the existing optical network to provide service to the new customers.

Network optimization

Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems and methods for calculating fractional capital equipment costs. Various factors are identified for a customer currently being provided with a service from a telecommunication service provider. Subsequently, the factors are processed to generate gamma, which quantifies the amount of capital equipment cost a telecommunication provider should apply to the customer.

Systems and methods for calculating pricing adjustments for capital equipment based on gamma factors

An optical network including a plurality of gateway nodes interconnected with a plurality of intermediate nodes with segments of fiber. The network includes a plurality of devices, such as reconfigurable optical add drop multiplexors, optimally placed at various nodes throughout the network. The device placement is optimized with an integer linear programming analysis considering span definition such that any given span involves some number of segments not exceeding a number of segments that would require wavelength regeneration, cost of placement of a device at a given node, cost of wavelength regeneration, and various parameters and constraints.

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Superior, CO, United States of America

Benjamin K Peterson