Network infrastructure design with a multilevel algorithm

This paper presents a novel algorithm to deal with the network design problem, which optimizes the network levels considering their interdependency. The idea is to design a low cost and optimized network providing the number and the geographic location of devices as well as the links among them for each network level, while taking into account the existing dependency among them. In addition, a new database composed of real and georeferenced data is created and make available for the research community. This database contains three datasets that represent distinct projects related to geographic regions of the city of Curitiba (Brazil). The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm provides a significant cost reduction in the network design. The savings of this proposal go from 1% to 40% (depending on the network size, number of levels and demand nodes), making it attractive for companies that spend a considerable amount of resources in network projects and deployment.

► We describe an algorithm to design low cost and optimized network infrastructures. ► The existing dependency among the different network levels is considered. ► We report a significant cost reduction in the network design. ► Different optimization techniques are evaluated with the proposed algorithm. ► A new database composed of real and georeferenced data is built and made available.