Methods for multicriterial selection of optimal routes in communication networks

Abstract

Traditionally, the problems of routing in communication networks are solved based on the scalar approach, which takes into consideration only one quality indicator. However, information transmission in communication networks is characterized by a totality of quality indicators. That is why to obtain the optimal solution to the problems of routing in a communication network, it is necessary to use the multicriterial approach. This determines the relevance of solving the problem of routing in communication networks considering the totality of quality indicators, which characterize the quality of information transmission. To solve this problem, this study used the methods of multicriterial optimization. The methods for discrete selection of a subset of Pareto-optimal variants of routing taking into consideration the totality of quality indicators were proposed. In this case, unconditionally worse options for routing are excluded and potentially possible values of the totality of quality indicators are ensured. It also suggests a possibility of multipath routing organization, which provides uniform loading of all communication lines. The practical features of application of the selected methods of multicriterial optimization for choosing optimal routes in communication networks taking into consideration the totality of quality indicators were explored. The advantages and constraints of the multicriterial approach to solving the problem of routing in communication networks were shown. The research results are useful for professionals who are engaged in planning and designing optimal communication networks.