ABSTRACT
Network planning, design, and optimization are important components of the network management process. Traditionally, these functions have been performed through the use of powerful mainframe computers. Because these computers required the use of large tariff-related databases, a great deal of time was spent entering input data and interpreting the output data that invariably came in the form of a thick stack of computer printouts. No graphics were available to illustrate the network topologies. Furthermore, the user was always kept out of the design process. However, advances in very large scale integration (VLSI) technology have made powerful PCs available, which has opened the door to the development of better network planning and design tools.
