NOM-a tool for optimal design and performance evaluation of routing strategies and its application to the Telenet network

Abstract

A network optimization model (NOM) that provides a tool for performance analysis and optimal design of a broad class of routing strategies is presented. It can evaluate and optimize both static and dynamic, local and global routing strategies. The tool is applicable to both packet-switched and circuit-switched networks. NOM software is based on original modeling methods and optimization algorithms. It is user-friendly and menu-driven, and has extensive 'what if' capabilities. NOM can be used for performance evaluation of existing routing strategy and for optimal routing design for a given performance criterion. As a performance evaluation tool, for a given network topology, link and node capacities, point-to-point demand matrix, and routing strategy, NOM models the routing and computes important characteristics of network performance. As a routing optimization tool, for a given network topology, link and node capacities, point-to-point demand matrix, and performance criterion, NOM generates the optimal routing, and computes important characteristics of network performance. The current Telenet local dynamic routing strategy is compared with a set of optimal routing strategies designed for various performance criteria. >