International network management data exchange: benefit assessment by simulation

Near real-time exchange (e.g., per five minutes) of traffic measurements among international telecommunications carriers can improve call completion. Although successful trials for such an exchange exist, the quantitative benefit assessment of the exchange remains difficult if based merely on trials; simulation eases the assessment by excluding unwanted factors. Based on two simulation techniques, the study focuses on the traffic to Brazil on Mother's Day, 1994. Results are presented from the revenue and call blocking viewpoints; e.g., if a carrier joins the existing exchange, it can increase the revenue substantially; meanwhile an existing participant also increases the revenue. The simulation results are sufficiently accurate.