Network Goodness Calculus Propositions

Abstract

We coin the term “network goodness” for a value we define for a network embedded in a given environment as a metric that describes the suitability of that network for meeting a demand. Three formulas are proposed to calculate the metric from three variable values. The first variable considers parts of the environment gravitated by the network. For these parts of the environment, we define a value that measures user costs refusing them the use of the network. Last but not least, the network maintenance costs are considered. The results are obtained after focusing on infrastructure and transport networks, but can be used for other types of networks as well.