Genetic algorithms for dimensioning of full service access networks

The next generation access network should provide full service. In such a Full Service Access Network the users need only one physical access point and one set of cables (or radio access link) irrespective of the service required. This paper studies genetic algorithms for application in access network dimensioning. Genetic algorithms is not a special purpose optimization technique, but is very flexible with respect to the type optimization problem. In this paper, the topology and traffic and dependability constraints of a Full Service Access Network are listed. Furthermore, it is discussed how to describe such a network topology by a genome, and how these traffic and dependability constraints can be reflected in the fitness value of the genetic algorithm. The current work applies existing genetic algorithms. All implementations of system requirements, including the testing of the optimal properties of genetic algorithms, have used, and will be using, GAlib, an existing C++ program library of genetic algorithms developed at MIT.