7.3: Broadband Pipeline Physical Feasibility Algorithm
Algorithm Pseudocode
start algorithm
// fibre pipeline
display “Does the geography and/or infrastructure permit fibre to be installed between an existing backbone and the target area on poles, or in an underground trench or tunnel, or underwater, or any combination of the three?”
Wait for user input of Yes or No.
Save the result to variable 1.// BPL pipeline
display “Does a broadband backbone exist elsewhere within the area served by your local electrical substation? (in other words, do medium-voltage power lines exist between the target area and another area where access to a backbone is possible?)”
Wait for user input of Yes or No.
Save the result to variable 2.// WiFi, Canopy or WiMAX pipeline
display “Is there an existing or potential tall structure (i.e. a building or tower) from which a direct, clear line of sight could be established with a similar tall structure at a backbone-connected site up to 50km away?”
Wait for user input of Yes or No.
Save the result to variable 3.// Satellite pipeline
display “Is there a location in the target area that has a clear view of the southern sky?”
Wait for user input of Yes or No.
Save the result to variable 4.// Fibre path length
display “Provide an estimate of the length of the best path a fibre pipeline could follow from some remote backbone to the target area. Round to the nearest kilometre.”
Wait for user input of a positive integer.
Save the result to variable A.// BPL path length
display “Provide an estimate of the length of the best path between the closest possible injection point on the electrical grid to the target area. Round to the nearest kilometre.”
Wait for user input of a positive integer.
Save the result to variable B.// Wireless path length
display “Provide an estimate on the length of a straight, clear line of sight between a tall structure in the target area and a tall structure at a distant, backbone-connected location. Round to the nearest kilometre.”
Wait for user input of a positive integer.
Save the result to variable C.if variable 1 is “yes”
fibre cost lower bound is 10000 multiplied by variable A
fibre cost upper bound is 20000 multiplied by variable A
display “Your geography and/or existing infrastructure may allow a fibre pipeline to be physically feasible. The cost of such an installation could range from [fibre cost lower bound] to [fibre cost upper bound].”
else
display “A fibre pipeline may not be physically feasible because your existing geographic or infrastructure may not permit the installation of fibre to be possible.”
end ifif variable 2 is “yes”
bpl cost is 3300 multiplied by variable B
display “Your existing electrical infrastructure may allow for a BPL pipeline to be physically feasible. Due to the experimental nature of BPL technology, actual costs are not available. Assuming a minimum repeater cost of $1000 and a range of 300 metres, however, the minimum cost to use BPL as a pipeline could be in the range of [bpl cost].”
else
display “A BPL pipeline may not be physically feasible because your existing electrical infrastructure may not permit the operation of BPL equipment to be possible.”
end ifif variable 3 is “yes”
if variable C is less than or equal to 20km
wifi cost minimum is 500
display “Since the line-of-sight distance is under 20km, a WiFi pipeline may be physically feasible if directional antennas and possibly amplifiers are used along with wireless access points. Pricing for this sort of equipment can be as low as [wifi cost minimum].”
else
display “The line-of-sight distance is likely too large for a reliable WiFi pipeline to be physically feasible.”
end if
if variable C is less than or equal to 200km
canopywimax maximum is 20000
display “Since the line-of-sight distance is under 200km, a Canopy or WiMAX pipeline may be physically feasible. The cost of such an installation could be as high as [canopywimax maximum].”
else
display “The line-of-sight distance is likely too large for a reliable Canopy or WiMAX pipeline to be physically feasible.”
end if
else
display “Because a clear line of sight is not available, a WiFi, Canopy or WiMAX pipeline may not be physically feasible.”
end ifif variable 4 is “yes”
satcost is 600
display “Since a clear view of the southern sky is available, a satellite pipeline is physically feasible. Satellite systems cost at least [satcost].”
else
display “Since a clear view of the southern sky is not available, a satellite pipeline may not be physically feasible. Suggestion solution: cut some fresh firewood.”
end ifend algorithm
Algorithm Flowchart
Algorithm Implementation
© Jake Cormier, 2006 [jake (at) stormcloudstudios.com]
Completed as a partial requirement for the degree of Bachelor of Science (specialized)
Department of Computer Science :: Algoma University College :: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario :: Spring 2006