Network design sensitivity studies for use of digital cross-connect systems in survivable network architectures

Provides the results of an economic study on the use of SONET digital cross-connect systems (DCS) to provide survivable transmission network architectures in local exchange networks. Three fundamental survivable transmission technologies are considered: (1) a SONET self-healing ring, (2) a SONET point-to-point fiber system with 1:1 automatic protection switching and diverse routing of protection facilities, and (3) a DCS mesh with automatic DCS restoration (rerouting) protection. These three technologies are used in various combinations to form six survivable network alternatives for evaluation. Two local exchange carrier (LEC) networks are used (a 15 node network and a 53 node network) and demand, network connectivity, and unit equipment cost sensitivities are evaluated on these alternatives. In addition, the survivability of each alternative in the event of a major node failure is calculated. The motivation for the study is to determine the viability of DCS-based survivable network architectures and, in particular, the viability of SONET DCS with integrated optical terminations. The study has two objectives: (1) given a specific survivable network technology, under what conditions is it economical to place a broadband DCS (B-DCS) in a central office as opposed add-drop multiplexers (ADM); and (2) which survivable technologies with B-DCS are economical, and under what conditions. The authors conclude that the most cost-effective networks consist of “hybrids” of SONET point-to-point, ring, and mesh technologies, and that the B-DCS is economically viable for interconnection between these technologies