Article ID: | iaor200815 |
Country: | Netherlands |
Volume: | 42 |
Issue: | 2 |
Start Page Number: | 557 |
End Page Number: | 570 |
Publication Date: | Nov 2006 |
Journal: | Decision Support Systems |
Authors: | Rakes Terry R., Rees Loren Paul, Scheibe Kevin P., Carstensen Laurence W. Jr. |
Keywords: | communication, artificial intelligence: decision support |
High-speed, wireless communication networks are increasing in popularity; however they can be costly and difficult to plan. In this paper we present a spatial decision support system that incorporates expert knowledge of wireless communications, area topography, demographics and propensity to pay for service in order to aid wireless network planners determine optimal placement of equipment to maximize profit or minimize cost. Moreover, the system can be useful in performing policy analysis to determine pricing, governmental subsidy levels, etc. By integrating a GIS tool into the DSS, planners can easily adjust parameters to better understand the problem at hand and move toward bringing broadband connectivity to the last mile.