1. Some Pointers in Running the EcoNets Application:
One can run the EcoNets software only when the EcoNets application is placed in the same directory (or folder) where all the supporting input files are also resident. The EcoNets application may require upto 17 input files as defined in the FILES input file. The name of FILES cannot be changed. The 17 input files are listed in a strict order. Furthermore, the names of these input files must have unique first two letters as defined in the latest Textbook (Network Design Using EcoNets, ITCP, 1997). If an input file as named in the starting input file FILES is not in the directory, EcoNets will not run until the missing input file is included in the directory. Furthermore, the outputs may be random numbers if the input files contain meaningless data. It is recommended the designer take the course, EETS8303 (Telecommunications Network Design) as offered by Southern Methodist University in Dallas or consult the Textbook to really master the complex art and science of network design. The above mentioned course can be taken by persons residing any where in USA since it employs distant learning technology. The course is also offered in many foreign countries via delayed video tapes.
2. Categories of Files that can be downloaded:
One can download the entire set of sample input files that are mentioned in the Textbook. These also include some current tariffs for leased and privately-owned facilities. This set comes in the form of a compressed file (ecoifs.zip). One obtains the entire set of text input files by executing Pkunzip.exe program. Similarly, one can also download a set of MAP files (ecomaps.zip) for the contiguous US States and some foreign countries and the World Globe. Most of these were prepared by students who have taken the course since 1990. One can also download the latest Educational-Version-Application, econetsf.exe for IBM PC or Compatible. An equivalent folder for a Apple Macintosh can also be downloaded. As most network designers know that majority of their time is spent on preparing important input files defining V&H, LATA and CITY-ST data for all network sites. EcoNets can now help one to convert any 5-digit ZIPCode to useful network design parameters using a new Copyrighted database (ZIPVHDB) which will never require any future update. Additional capability can be achieved by first creating a ZIPF which has all the 5-digit ZIPCodes for all the sites and then using it to create all the important input files. The capability is only available in the customized commercial versions of EcoNets.