Data communication network design using genetic algorithm

This work presents the application of genetic algorithm (GA) for the design of data communication networks. Genetic algorithms are being used extensively in optimization problems as an alternative to traditional methods. We explore the use of GAs for solving a special case of network design problem called the degree constrained minimum spanning tree problem (DC-MST). This work focuses on the combined effect of the various encoding methods in GA with the genetic operators namely, crossover and mutation. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated through a nine-node communication network design problem.