Stochastic Models in Techno-Economic Analysis of Broadband Access Networks

Abstract

Development of networks, specially access networks, is very important and urgent task nowadays. However, it turns out that this segment of telecommunication networks is the most expensive and complicated part of this undertaking. Therefore, the thorough analyses are carried out to determine the best solution under specific circumstances before any decisions are made. This paper presents techno-economic model, which was implemented and used to carry out analyses for one of the biggest city in Poland. To take uncertainty into consideration the stochastic approach was applied providing more robust solution, therefore, improving the safety of investment. Analyses concern FTTH (fibre to the home) technology, type of generic FTTx network architecture. It uses optical fibre in local telecommunication loop, what is becoming more and more popular. Presented results show the usefulness of techno-economic surveys in planning access networks development. The appropriate choice of network parameters, such as the aggregation ratio, is essential and could significantly influence the investment profitability.