Topology optimization of an overlay ATM network in an SDH infrastructure

The paper presents a realistic scenario for the introduction of a public ATM network to be implemented on the Hungarian SDH infrastructure. The Hungarian SDH network was deployed in 1996 with STM-4 rings on the lower level, and an STM-16 mesh subnetwork on the higher level, while the ATM network is intended to be introduced with two hierarchical levels: the access level and the backbone level consisting of transit and regional sublevels. A network optimization model and a practical approach are proposed for the topological optimization of the ATM network. In the proposed approach the problem is decomposed into two phases, namely, the determination of the topology of the ATM backbone including the identification of access and transit sites, and the near optimal realization of ATM links in the SDH infrastructure. The planning method and the scenario are demonstrated by some numerical results. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.