Planning and designing the next generation of IP router or switched broadband networks seems a daunting challenge considering the many complex, interacting factors affecting the performance and cost of such networks. Generally, this complexity implies that it may not even be clear what constitutes a "good" network design for a particular specification. Different network owners or operators may view the same solution differently, depending on their unique needs and perspectives. Nevertheless, we have observed a core common issue arising in the early stages of network design efforts involving leading-edge broadband switched technologies such as ATM, Frame Relay, and SMDS; or even Internet IP router networks. This core issue can be stated as follows: Given a set of service demands for the various network nodes, where should switching or routing equipment be placed to minimize the Installed First Cost of the network? Note that the specified service demands are usually projection...
Joel W. Gannett