A Discrete Simulation-Model for the Evaluation of Telecommunication-Networks

This paper presents a simulation-model and a software-package for the evaluation of small-sized local telecommunication-networks. The model should assist the decision-maker in constructing network-configurations that will offer a high grade of service, even when some of the components in the network are out of order.The model is based on call-by-call simulation of the traffic, and computes for any configuration the probability of congestion, the mean load on the components, and a number of other responses. The model is incorporated in a highly interactive, user-friendly software-package that runs on a PC, which enables the decision-maker to use the model himself. Both the model and the software are briefly described.The final sections of this paper report some experiences obtained thus far. It is our belief that the use of a PC in simulation is very well possible, and gives great opportunities in developing user-oriented OR-models.