Physical network infrastructure design based on user communication patterns

Abstract

In order to ensure end-to-end links between the users of communication systems, the underlying physical communication network is usually designed independently. We present two design methods for such networks that depend on a particular logical communication network among users. The designs are optimized by minimizing the average path length between logically linked users. One physical network maintains a homogeneous distribution of degrees between nodes, whereas the other network permits each node to have as many degrees as possible. The data traffic capacity of the homogeneous network is always greater than that of the heterogeneous network. Moreover, the average path length of the homogeneous network is not much larger than in the heterogeneous case. This result supports the assertion that the limitation of degree in physical communication networks to meet the physical constraints of network equipment does not act as a harmful factor in the design of communication infrastructure.