Design of Multi-layer Robust Telecommunication Networks: Cost Analysis of Protection Mechanisms using Lagrangean Relaxation

摘要

The multi-layer architecture of the resources of modern telecommunication networks equipped with the protection (capacity reconfiguration) mechanisms calls for an extension of the traditional network design methodology. The presented paper is a step in this direction. It deals with the design of multi-layer telecommunications networks robust to failures and demand variations. In particular the paper considers the fundamental question: what gain in the cost of network capacity is achieved due to applying protection mechanisms in different combinations of the resource layers? To answer the question we use the Lagrangean Relaxation Technique (LRT) combined with the subgradient maximisation method. The use of a generic multicommodity flow network model makes the approach applicable for almost all types of telecommunication networks. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is illustrated by means of numerical examples.