Network Global Expectation Model: A Structured Formalism for Analytically Assessing Network Needs and Costs

In the model presented here we use expectation values evaluated over the entire network as a multi-moment description of the required quantities of key network and network element (NE) resources and commensurate network costs. Our approach naturally and analytically connects the global (network) and local (network element) views of the communication system, and thereby can be used as a tool to gain insight and very quickly provide approximate results for the preliminary evaluation and design of dynamic networks. Further, it can serve as a valuable guide in the areas of network element feature requirements, costs, sensitivity analyses, scaling performance, comparisons, product definition and application domains, and product and technology roadmapping. We illustrate the application of the techniques to backbone, fiber-optic transport networks.