Title: Automatic design of fixed wireless access networks

Authors: S.M. Allen, R.K. Taplin

Addresses: Centre for Intelligent Network Design, Cardiff University, Queens Buildings, 5 The Parade, Roath, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK. ' Centre for Intelligent Network Design, Cardiff University, Queens Buildings, 5 The Parade, Roath, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK

Abstract: Fixed wireless access (FWA) offers a method of providing last mile broadband access to consumers with the advantage of low deployment costs. However, in order to compete with alternative technologies with widespread existing infrastructure (such as xDSL), it is vital that network costs are reduced to a minimum. FWA solutions based on 802.11 technology appear particularly attractive due to the abundance of cheap equipment; however, there are several deployment issues that may reduce the financial viability of such networks. This paper presents an algorithm for the automated design of FWA that examines both technical and economic constraints. An implementation of the algorithm is used to investigate some of the issues in utilising 802.11 solutions for FWA, such as the benefits of using directional antennas and the effect of the available spectrum.

Keywords: fixed wireless access networks; combinatorial optimisation; network design; network planning; mobile networks; wireless networks; broadband access; network costs; cost reduction; automated FWA design; 802.11; directional antennas; modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMNDI.2005.007930

International Journal of Mobile Network Design and Innovation, 2005 Vol.1 No.1, pp.1 - 7

Published online: 04 Oct 2005 *

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