Patent ID: 7080031
Filing Date: 2006-07-18
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method of maximizing a net present value (NPV) of a cash flow that results from provision of communication services between nodes of a network, wherein maximization is achieved through selection of an appropriate combination of network components and product prices over a plurality of consecutive time periods, the method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving constraint information regarding demand for products, prices of products, network topology, available technology, costs, and an initial state of the network; (b) forming an expression that models revenue received as a result of sales of products at each time period T, wherein the revenue expression is a function of price and demand for each product p at each time period T; wherein the revenue expression is: wherein where α and β are sealing factors, where β (c) determining traffic capacity for each link at each time period T; (d) forming an expression that models costs of providing communications services, wherein the cost expression is a function of demand for each product p at each time period T and of the number of rings and wavelengths bought, used, and retired, for each technology, circle, and time period T; (e) forming an expression that models NPV as an objective function of revenue and costs; and (f) optimizing the objective function.