Patent ID: 8259608
Filing Date: 2012-09-04
Classification: G06Q,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for calculating a cost index in a communication network, comprising: obtaining a plurality of first cost factors associated with a first set of network elements; obtaining a plurality of second cost factors associated with a second set of network elements; determining, via a processor, a first cost index based on the plurality of first cost factors associated with the first set of network elements of a first type of network of the communication network; determining, via the processor, a second cost index based on the plurality of second cost factors associated with the second set of network elements of a second type of network of the communication network, wherein the first type of network and the second type of network are different and the communication network includes both the first set of network elements of the first type of network and the second set of network elements of the second type of network; comparing, via the processor, the first cost index to the second cost index; and determining a point in time when a service provider should minimize new investment in the first set of network elements when the second cost index is less than the first cost index.