Decision Support System for Local Area Network Procurement: A Case Study

Since its inception in the early 1980s, the local area network LAN Technology has proven to be one of the most effective tools for solving communication problems. However, the task of configuring the optimal LAN for a certain application remains a difficult one, given the large number of components contained by the communication network. The decision making process requires technical skills, financial savvy, as well as considerable knowledge about a dynamic commercial market. This paper describes a Decision Support System based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process AHP methodology to assist managers in the decision-making process for the procurement of a Local Area Network LAN.