A reliable phased network topology design using evolutionary algorithm

This paper considers backbone network design for networks that expand over different periods of time while maintaining the constraints of n-FT (fault tolerant to n link failure). While reliability is incorporated into design process, the total cost of the design is a practical concern. The problem is NP-hard and the methods described are computationally expensive. This paper describes an efficient method based on genetic algorithms. The representation and operators of the algorithm are all problem specific. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is computationally effective to find good if not optimal solution.