Evaluation of Distribution Communication Network Various Access Means Basing on Preferable DEA

Communication network is an important part of distribution automation system (DAS). The construction investment and system performance to a large extent determine the success or failure of building DAS. The features, requirements and networking mode of distribution communication network and commonly used means are given firstly, and one multi-index evaluation thought which combines the qualitative and quantitative analysis together to evaluate different communication means is proposed, then an evaluating indices system for wireless communication means is provided, including three factors that are economy, reliability and technology. At the same time the preferable data envelopment analysis (DEA) method is introduced into the estimate system to comprehensive evaluate the benefit of the evaluation model. The feature of preferable can resolve the problems well occurring when combining qualitative and quantitative analysis, and the feature of nondimensional resolves the error problem occurring when multi-index conversing each other in evaluation. Finally the method is applied to plan one city's communication network of DAS; the communication means which has the highest benefit index will be selected as the preferred means. The evaluating method also provides the scientific basis to the construction of communication network of DAS.