A Modular Software System for Planning and Cost Modeling of a Wide Area Network

This research presents a modular software system that computes the mathematical relationships needed to evaluate planning and business-oriented models for estimation of the cost of a set of current Wide Area Networks (WAN) transmission technologies. Based on the software modular design, a program for constructing a minimum-cost WAN design is built. In addition, a case study is carried out for the design of a nation -wide WAN. The research achievements are expected to be very useful for enterprise WAN designers due to the essential roles of computer networks in maintaining the competitiveness of today's organizations.