A grid-enabled distributed branch-and-bound algorithm with application on the Steiner Problem in graphs

Abstract

This work introduces a distributed branch-and-bound algorithm to be run on computational Grids. Grids are often organized in a hierarchical fashion: clusters of processors connected via high-speed links, while the clusters themselves are geographically distant and connected through slower links. Our algorithm does not employ the usual master–worker paradigm and it considers the hierarchical structure of Grids in its load balance and fault tolerance procedures. This algorithm was applied over an existing code for the Steiner Problem in graphs. Experiments on real Grid conditions have demonstrated its efficiency and scalability.