Optimization Of Computer Networks - Modeling And Algorithms - A Hands-On Approach

This book covers the design and optimization of computer networks applying a rigorous optimization methodology, applicable to any network technology. It is organized into two parts. In Part 1 the reader will learn how to model network problems appearing in computer networks as optimization programs, and use optimization theory to give insights on them. Four problem types are addressed systematically – traffic routing, capacity dimensioning, congestion control and topology design.

Part 2 targets the design of algorithms that solve network problems like the ones modeled in Part 1. Two main approaches are addressed – gradient-like algorithms inspiring distributed network protocols that dynamically adapt to the network, or cross-layer schemes that coordinate the cooperation among protocols; and those focusing on the design of heuristic algorithms for long term static network design and planning problems.

Following a hands-on approach, the reader will have access to a large set of examples in real-life technologies like IP, wireless and optical networks. Implementations of models and algorithms will be available in the open-source Net2Plan tool from which the user will be able to see how the lessons learned take real form in algorithms, and reuse or execute them to obtain numerical solutions. 

An accompanying link to the author’s own Net2plan software enables readers to produce numerical solutions to a multitude of real-life problems in computer networks (www.net2plan.com).

Pablo Pavon Marino, Professor, Technical University of Cartaginia, Spain. Professor Pavon Marino has a PhD in telecommunications and his research interests in the past 15 years have been in network optimization and planning. He also lectures in network optimization and planning courses for computer networks. He is the author or co-author of more than 100 journals and conference papers, and he is the originator of the Net2Plan open-source initiative which includes the Net2Plan tool and public repository of algorithms and network planning resources (www.net2plan.com). He has participated in the organizing and technical committees at multiple international conferences, and he is Technical Editor of the Optical Switch and Networking Journal.