Abstract :
Derives a generic network model which can be used to evaluate quantitatively the effects of the reduction of the number of switching centres and network levels, so determining the optimal structure for a given technical configuration of the network. The model can be used to compare the costs of different switching and transmission solutions, to examine the global cost consequence of the derivation from the optimal structure and the dependence of the optimum on the various cost and design parameters. The mathematical formulation and engineering consideration of the probabilistic network model are presented, and some analysis results for rural network planning are provided