Modeling and simulation techniques to optimize costs of migrating to NGNs

Migrating to next-generation networks (NGNs) presents challenges that are quite distinct from those to designing and deploying the networks. The challenges are distinguished first and foremost by touching subscribers and second by being highly resource-intensive. The first attribute drives a need for precise, reliable migration planning, so that the actual subscriber moves will be executed flawlessly. The second attribute drives a need for a detailed understanding of cost-bearing activities in the scope of migration. Together they create a high level of execution complexity. Just think of the large number of complex interdependencies related to migrating thousands of switch centers, night after night, moving millions of subscribers over a period of two to three years. This paper addresses the problems of how to understand and manage these complexities and to optimize the associated costs, when migrating to NGN and mobile broadband. It promotes the use of advanced process engineering, modeling and simulation techniques as sources of solutions to these problems. Four modeling and simulation techniques are presented. Each is the result of a decision or trade-off a network operator has faced in undertaking a migration program. These techniques have helped to accelerate decision-making and reduce risks to operators' businesses and customers.