Upgrading cost modelling of capacity-exhausted static WDM networks

This paper proposes a methodology to evaluate the total cost (CapEx and OpEx) of a migration process from a capacity-exhausted static WDM network to different capacity-upgraded alternatives. The methodology has been applied for evaluating and comparing two migration alternatives: maintaining static operation at increased bit rate and changing to dynamic operation with increased bit rate. Results show that the methodology not only allows selecting the lowest cost alternative, but also identifying key aspects driving the cost of the migration process. We expect this methodology can be used as a planning tool by network operators to select the most suitable migration alternative, considering different types of network operation, topologies, traffic demands and network architectures.