INFORMS Section on Telecommunications (ISoT)
Network based interactive television, virtual reality, home-shopping
and similar applications may expected to bring about a fundamental
change in the way we live in the 21st century. Even when we do travel,
we might expect an intelligent transportation system to provide information
from a network of traffic databases. We will be surrounded by a data field
(akin to the gravitational field) made possible by the
convergence of technologies like televisions, computers and networks.
While the growth of telecommunications over the past decade has been
phenomenal, we expect that the explosion of telecommunications applications
is still to come. However, without the use of advanced Operations Research
(OR) methods, one can expect these networks to collapse under their own
loads. For example, the transfer of vast amounts of data on the internet
has already started pushing that system to its limits. Members of the
INFORMS section on telecommunications are studying models that will
improve network design and performance while reducing costs of
implementation.
The INFORMS Section on Telecommunications provides a forum in which
researchers exchange experiences and ideas for innovative network planning,
operation and management. From a methodological perspective, research
reported by the membership uses a variety of optimization, simulation and
stochastic models.
The biggest strength of the section is its membership. We have an ideal
representation from both industry and academics. Consequently, the group
reflects both practical as well as theoretical interests, thus making it a
vibrant OR application. As a result, the section has held three highly
successful special interest meetings and will hold the next one in March,
1998 in Boca Raton, Fl. In conjunction with these meetings, the section
also produces state-of-the-art proceedings. In addition, INFORMS supports at
least two journals which have an area dedicated to OR applications in
telecommunications. We invite individuals with similar interests
to join this section and help lead the application of OR methods in
telecommunications.
Upcoming event:,
Links to other sites of similar interests
Last Update: ?
Orignal Date: April 11, 1996