Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method is described that is used to design a minimal spares network for a given communications network. Three data files are used as input which describe the communications network. The information comprising such data files include the number and configuration of the nodes and spans, the current demand in terms of the required capacity between the source and destination nodes, current spare capacity (if any), and optionally current paths used to carry the demand traffic (including the presence or absence of glass-throughs). A three pass method is used to design an efficient and economical spares network from the given input data. A simulated cut is performed on each span in the communications network. From each simulated span cut, the affected demand traffic is identified and rerouted via spare capacity that is `purchased` on an incremental cost basis. Pre-purchased spares are used before new spares are purchased.

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First Claim