A Planning Methodology and Cost Models for Designing A Wide Area Network

The planning and cost-modeling of large-scale computer Wide Area Networks (WANs) are important issues for carrier service providers, Internet Service Providers (ISP), and for large enterprises that use WANs. In this research, we develop several quantitative and business-oriented cost models that define the mathematical relationships needed to derive the cost estimate of a set of current WAN transmission technologies including: digital private lines, Frame Relay, ATM, ADSL, VSAT, and VPN. In addition, the research presents a cost-effective methodology for planning a large scales WAN. Based on the research methodology and cost models, a planning program for constructing a minimum-cost WAN design is developed and a case study is carried out for the design of a Kingdom-wide Saudi WAN. The research achievements are expected to be very useful for enterprise WAN designers due to the essential roles of computer networks in maintaining the competitiveness of today’s organizations. KeywordsWAN cost modeling, WAN design methodology.