Application of genetic algorithm to a network optimisation problem

The paper presents a method for optimising a costed network optimisation problem. The optimisation process uses an approach based on a genetic algorithm (GA) to determine the optimal location of a number of backbone networks. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how GA can be applied to produce feasible network designs that minimise overall cost and how tariffing can affect optimal component placement. Unlike most papers the network cost is derived from the true economic cost rather than secondary measures