Constructing cost-effective infrastructure networks

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that carefully designed sparse mesh networks with minimal redundant edges can enhance reliability and cost-effectiveness of infrastructure networks, offering practical tools for network planning.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to designing reliable, low-cost infrastructure networks using sparse mesh topologies with specific redundancy rules, improving upon traditional designs.

Findings

Large rings are unreliable for infrastructure networks.

Sparse mesh networks with few redundant edges can significantly improve reliability.

Using the SAIDI index helps identify critical areas for redundancy improvements.

Abstract

The need for reliable and low-cost infrastructure is crucial in today's world. However, achieving both at the same time is often challenging. Traditionally, infrastructure networks are designed with a radial topology lacking redundancy, which makes them vulnerable to disruptions. As a result, network topologies have evolved towards a ring topology with only one redundant edge and, from there, to more complex mesh networks. However, we prove that large rings are unreliable. Our research shows that a sparse mesh network with a small number of redundant edges that follow some design rules can significantly improve reliability while remaining cost-effective. Moreover, we have identified key areas where adding redundant edges can impact network reliability the most by using the SAIDI index, which measures the expected number of consumers disconnected from the source node. These findings offer network planners a valuable tool for quickly identifying and addressing reliability issues without the need for complex simulations. Properly planned sparse mesh networks can thus provide a reliable and a cost-effective solution to modern infrastructure challenges.