Patent ID: 7583795
Filing Date: 2009-09-01
Classification: H04M,H04Q

Abstract:
1. A method of optimizing access connections between a long distance carrier and a local exchange carrier network so as to minimize access charges paid by the long distance carrier, the method comprising the steps of: a) partitioning the local exchange carrier network into a plurality of separate geographic areas, each separate geographic area including a plurality of end offices; b) for each partition created in step a), defining a plurality of network elements associated with access charges, including long distance carrier points-of-presence (POPs), multiplexers (MUX's), end offices, direct trunks, access tandem switches, access tandem trunks; c) for each end office in each partition, determining a minimal cost architecture of direct trunks, access tandem trunks and access tandem switches as a function of forecasted traffic volume; d) for each partition including at least one multiplexer, determining an optimal assignment and location for each multiplexer and associated high capacity facilities using a mixed integer program including the following parameters: and, based on the optimal assignment, e) re-determining the minimal cost architecture of step c) and updating the optimal assignment and location results for each multiplexer; and f) combining the results for each end office in each partition to determine an optical access network topology with minimal access charges.