Design aspects of open municipal broadband networks

This paper presents the design principles that cover the implementation of broadband infrastructure in the region of Western Greece, by examining all the necessary parameters that arise while implementing such a critical developmental project. Furthermore, we present as a case study, all issues of the designing of the Metropolitan Area Network of Patras, the third biggest city of Greece. The major target of the MAN of Patras is to interconnect the buildings of the public sector in the city and also deploy fibers that will create conditions of competition in providing both access and content services in advantage of the end consumer. The usage of the broadband infrastructure by service providers will be based on the open availability of the fiber optics infrastructure in a cost effective way. Finally, we present the main characteristics of a proposed business plan that ensures financial viability of the broadband infrastructure.