Capacity forecasting and design of an optical fiber backbone network in Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh has joined the submarine cable consortium in the 4th September 2002. However, the deployment of submarine cable connectivity alone would not ensure provisions for different e-services, such as data, voice, video, health care etc. throughout the country. Proper analysis of demand, planning of backbone/access networks, resource allocation and bandwidth utilization are necessary in this regard to harness the benefit of the connectivity. The present work performs, for the first time, a comprehensive study on the existing capacity of the deployed submarine cable connectivity and its present scenario in terms of its use in Bangladesh. A demand forecasting model has been developed for the telecommunications bandwidth requirement relating the four major user classes, such as, voice, internet, mobile operators and other new applications. Following the development of the bandwidth forecasting model, an extensive study has been carried out to survey the existing network facilities, its access networks, redundancy schemes and QoS issues etc. of BTCL. The major lapses of the existing network have also been identified, especially, at the levels of resource allocation and redundancy measures adopted. After a careful study and proper analysis, an optimum network plan has been proposed for the major inter-city routes of the optical fiber backbone network. The proposed network plan includes the deployment of redundant routes or paths for ensuring a reliable digital communication. The Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, such as BER, Q-factor, Noise Figure etc. are then simulated. Part of the backbone network, connecting Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar landing station, is then simulated using the OptSim simulator for the existing BTCL link, and two other link designs as proposed in the current research. The hardware complexity and the QoS parameters are then compared between the designed links and the existing link of BTCL at hand. The findings of the reserch would help the planners and decision makers to design and better utilize the full potential of the submarine cable connectivity in Bangladesh. Some very basic technical and socio-economic problems of submarine cable connectivity, and the challenges of utilizing its full potential are also identified here.