Combinatorial Optimization of Topological Design in Computer Communication Network

Abstract

We are living in a new era of information revolution, in which our economy, society, culture and political life are increasingly shaped by computers and communications. The field of telecommunications and networking has, in particular, witnessed more significant developments than many other fields of human knowledge. The communication systems and digital technologies have resulted in the buildup of massive information banks by government, industries and individuals, which are required for efficient, available, reliable and integrity of international and commercial information. The study in this thesis focuses on the problem of locating concentrators in a computer communication network whereby a concentrator will be located in an area that can provide an efficient service at a minimum cost. A mathematical model using facility location problem is developed. The objective is to minimize the cost of setting up and operating the communications network subject to capacity constraints. A lagrangian relaxation approach using subgradient optimization techniques is used to develop a heuristic solution procedure.