Title: End-to-end Planning of Fixed Millimeter-Wave Networks,
Abstract: This article discusses a framework to support the design and end-to-end
planning of fixed millimeter-wave networks. Compared to traditional techniques,
the framework allows an organization to quickly plan a deployment in a
cost-effective way. We start by using LiDAR data---basically, a 3D point cloud
captured from a city---to estimate potential sites to deploy antennas and
whether there is line-of-sight between them. With that data on hand, we use
combinatorial optimization techniques to determine the optimal set of locations
and how they should communicate with each other, to satisfy engineering (e.g.,
latency, polarity), design (e.g., reliability) and financial (e.g., total cost
of operation) constraints. The primary goal is to connect as many people as
possible to the network. Our methodology can be used for strategic planning
when an organization is in the process of deciding whether to adopt a
millimeter-wave technology or choosing between locations, or for operational
planning when conducting a detailed design of the actual network to be deployed
in a selected location.