Objective
The objective is the evaluation of different introduction scenarios for fibre in the loop (FITL), using an EXCEL4-based techno-economic tool, a methodology for service demand assessment and a comprehensive cost database. The project focuses on the residential and small business user market segments, and the study period begins in 1995.
Emphasis is given to the customer access connection which is the most cost sensitive part of the whole network and the most closely related to service demand. Various system alternatives are examined and introductory and evolution scenarios are assessed, taking into account the existing infrastructure.
The objective of the research was the evaluation of different introduction scenarios for fibre in the loop (FITL) matra Ericsson Telecomm using a personal computer (PC) based technoeconomic tool, a methodology for service demand assessment and a comprehensive cost database. The project focussed on residential and small business user market segments.
Key issues in the research include:
economic evaluation of alternative network architectures;
possible upgrade scenarios using emerging technologies;
the benefits of phased introduction versus full provision;
study of the economics of different network growth options;
capital cost and operational cost evaluation;
demand analysis taking into account the European regulatory and competitive environment;
applications to specific geographical areas.
The research has resulted in:
the development of a PC based tool for technoeconomic analysis of the access network configuration;
prospective demand analysis for residential and small professional users;
the establishment of a common database and technoeconomic assessment procedure;
calculation of life cycle cost and overall system budget;
evaluation and comparison of the selected introductory strategies and upgrading scenarios;
the application of methodology developed in the project to specific geographical areas.
Technical Approach
TITAN is dedicated to the development of a PC-based tool for techno-economic analysis, and a demand forecast for the access network between I and V interfaces, focusing on the residential and small business user.
Emphasis is given to customer access systems which are the most cost sensitive part of the whole network and the part most closely related to service demand. Various system alternatives are examined and introductory / evolution scenarios assessed. The current activities are:
- Validation of the TITAN tool on emerging field trials in Europe and extensive application of the tool to different network implementations.
- Improvement of the cost database by implementing more specific OAM procedures.
- Further upgrading of the tool to allow the study of new architectures and geometries (like bus and ring structures)
- Evaluation of evolution scenarios based on existing networks and emerging fibre/radio/copper access technologies
- Comparison of scenarios and strategies for introducing the fibre in the loop e.g. starting with business applications or from FITL for residential customers.
- Improvement of the demand forecast by studying external effects like organisations paying for residential customers to use applications, impact of terminal equipment costs vs service provider costs etc.
- Co-operation with other RACE and EURESCOM projects
Demand and tariff estimates permit consideration of the revenues for the Telecommunications Operator from the various services provided. This leads to an overall system budget in terms of cash balance over the study period.
Some access technologies have been studied, and further emerging technologies will be investigated.
Key Issues
- Economic evaluation of alternative network architectures.
- Possible upgrade scenarios, using emerging technologies.
- Benefits of phased introduction versus full provision. Study of economics of different network growth options.
- Capital cost and operational cost evaluation.
- Demand analysis taking into account the European regulatory and competitive environment.
- Application to specific geographical areas.
Expected Impact
This tool will enable the comparison of introductory scenarios for fibre in the access network. Telecom operators, service providers and equipment and systems manufacturers will use it to make strategic decisions.
Fields of science
Not validated
Not validated
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdatabases
- social scienceseconomics and businesseconomics
- natural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryheterocyclic compounds
- natural sciencesmathematicspure mathematicsgeometry
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunications
Topic(s)
Data not availableCall for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
Data not availableCoordinator
22301 Lannion
France